Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards literacy grants to members and chapters across the nation. The grants help fund projects ranging from traditional reading initiatives to those fostering learning in cultural, digital, financial, health, historical literacy and beyond. 

Previous grant recipient Dr. Cynthia Elliott, of Southeastern Louisiana University, used funds from the award to support the Imagination Library program in her community. The program, an early literacy initiative, delivers a new, age-appropriate book to children living in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, each month. The books are delivered to families with eligible children regardless of income.

The program—which lasts from birth until the child turns five—encourages parents to read with their children during the formative preschool years to help foster a love of learning and reading at an early age.

Watch the video below to hear first-hand from Dr. Elliott how the Imagination Library program has made an impact in her community with help from a Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grant.

Read more about the Literacy Grant Program and see what initiatives are being championed by this year’s recipients.