Operating on three campuses this summer, Wise Readers to Leaders (formerly Wise Freedom School) completed a successful sixth year of operation, providing a summer literacy and leadership program serving nearly 300 local, underserved LAUSD students in grades K-8.
One of the best parts of Wise Readers to Leaders is that it provides the opportunity for over 100 Jewish teenagers to serve as “Junior Literacy Leaders.” This is one of the only opportunities for local, valley and westside Jewish teens to work hands-on with underserved children. These teens worked with exemplary commitment and compassion, engaging their Jewish values to bring the program to life.
Additionally, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the Jewish Community Foundation feel so strongly that Wise Readers to Leaders is a landmark program for Jewish teen engagement, each organization approved grants to support the program year-round, allowing these teens to meaningfully engage in Jewish study. This will also provide additional experiences for scholars throughout the year through involvement in the Wise Readers to Leaders Teen Board.
Though the summer has already come to a close for the “scholars” and “Lit Leaders,” Wise Readers to Leaders is already busy refining the new and innovative curriculum, planning for the opening of a fourth campus for next summer, and expanding the middle school program.
Of course, the fundraising to support this expanding program never ends! Thank you to the Stephen Wise Temple Board, clergy, and the many Wise members who support this program through volunteering, reading to scholars, and providing financial support. With your help, Wise Readers to Leaders makes meaning for teens, scholars, Wise members, and the world.
