Phi Kappa Phi is proud to recognize Joseph Cheatle, a recipient of the 2024 Literacy Grant, for his work in establishing a Community Writing Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A partnership between the University of Southern Mississippi Writing Center and the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal & Forrest County, the CWC will provide tutoring, workshops, and literary events to support literacy efforts. This programming is especially critical as Mississippi has one of the lowest literacy rates in the nation. The center will serve children, students, job seekers, and other community members. Cheatle shared his motivation for this work, saying, "I learn forward through thinking about how to connect with and give back to the community."

The Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grant Program awards up to $2,500 to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members to fund literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2025.

For more information, visit phikappaphi.org/literacy or contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.