Boys In the Hood Book Club

Program Overview

The Boys in the Hood Book Club is a literacy program for African-American/Black boys ages 8 to 14 years old that are interested in reading and writing. The program was implemented February 2018. Each book club participant receives FREE books to enhance their home library. This is funded by donations we receive. We want to enrich each participant’s comprehension level and support their academic achievement. Older or younger youth will be accepted depending on their reading needs.

Due to Coronavirus all meetings are by Zoom starting April 2020 until further notice. If a meeting or event will be in person there will be advance notice and social distancing and mask will be required.

We expose the participants to books that have stories they can relate to and see reflections of themselves. The programs goal is to bridge the gap in language arts, decrease suspension rates, and disrupt the school to prison pipeline.

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The literacy program helps bridge the huge gap in literacy rates between boys and girls. Statistics show that girls fare 75% better than their male counter parts with regard to language arts and reading comprehension. This problem is multidimensional in that the adverse effects are urgent and if not reconciled will have long term effects for a variety of reasons.

There is a correlation between the literacy and the school to prison pipeline. Most young boys who enter into a life of crime started with having problems in school. Rarely will we find a young boy who is literate and well adjusted in school participating in activities that will lure him into criminal activity. It is urgent that we combat this issue and the public schools are not equipped to take on this problem that haunt our young boys alone. There is a certain level of care and community that is required to confront this relentless trend. Schools don’t have the time or the capacity to patiently pour into these young men as would a community stakeholder.

These young boys are expected to be leaders in their families and communities and they need to be literate. They also need to be equally yoked to their female counterparts if the institution of marriage is considered.

This Literacy Program is part of the basis for community development and though it meets an immediate need the effects will be realized for decades. Each generation came with their own set of problems, literacy seems to be an ongoing issue. It is time to break the cycle.

Book Club Application

Parents/Guardians please complete the Book Club membership application for each participant you want to enroll in Boys in the Hood. There are four Sections – Intro, Parent/Guardian Info, Participant Info, Confirmation. Please complete one application for each participant. Thank you!

Enrollment now open!! Fall 2024 – Sprint 2025 Session starts in October.

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Book Club Meetings

Every 2nd, 4th and 5th Friday from 6:3opm-7:30pm. The participants read a book selection together, have guest speakers, and engagement activities. The boys are encouraged to invite a friend as friends should encourage each other to read and thrive. Peace, Love and Literacy!

Donate

We would like to do some revolutionary things in regard to literacy with our program participants. Please donate whatever you can to help us with our goals.

Donate to Literacy