WKU Literacy Ambassadors
Welcome to the WKU Literacy Ambassadors program. Dedicated to supporting literacy development and appreciation, our members actively engage in serving students living in "book deserts" by providing curated bags of books tailored to their interests and abilities. As of April 2024, we've distributed over 2,000 books to more than 240 students in local schools. Join us in making a difference in literacy for children and teens throughout our area.
Our Mission
The mission of the WKU Literacy Ambassadors is to support literacy development and appreciation at WKU, in Bowling Green, and throughout Kentucky. Efforts of this group include supporting students living in "book deserts" or areas with limited access to appropriate and engaging books, serving students within area classrooms and schools through supportive tutoring and access to materials, serving teachers in the community through additional support in the classroom and access to materials, and learning about ways to improve literacy through book study and on-going professional learning. WKU Literacy Ambassadors represent WKU and the School of Teacher Education in their community involvement and civic engagement related to promoting literacy in all ages.
Members
Membership in the WKU Literacy Ambassadors at Western Kentucky University shall be open to any and all students at Western Kentucky University. Active membership shall be determined by 2.75 minimum GPA in education coursework, current enrollment in and/or past completion of at least one literacy course (e.g., LTCY 310, LTCY 320, LTCY 421, or ENG 302) at WKU or comparable course at another institution, valid background checks on file with WKU Office of Professional Educator Services, and payment of membership dues with completion of related registration.
Service
As of April, 2024, the WKU Literacy Ambassadors will have provided a curated bag of books to over 240 students in area schools. That’s over 2,000 books in the hands of local kids that are based on student interests and ability levels.
The WKU Literacy Ambassadors will continue to serve children and teens in the area who live in “book deserts,” which result in limited access to books in homes and communities. In addition, the organization strives to serve the community through other initiatives such as participation in family engagement events in schools, building and sponsoring a Little Free Library at Gary Ransdell Hall on WKU’s campus, and supporting teachers in our community.
In the Public Eye
Local News
- The Book Donation Extravaganza giving students at Parker Bennett Curry reading opportunities (December, 2023)
- Half Price Books Blog, Celebrate Books this Holiday Season (November, 2023)
- Spectrum News 1: Tornado Victims Receive Books (December, 2022)
- WBKO News: View From the Hill: WKU Literacy Ambassadors (January, 2023)
Research
- Hulan, N.F. & Bailey-Tarbett, L.K. (2024). Building Literacy Connections After Disaster: Teacher Candidates Engaging with Community through a Service-Learning Lens. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy,00,1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaal.1369
- FUSE grant poster (in process)
Partners
Bowling Green Noon Rotary Club
Half Price Books
WKU School of Teacher Education
The School of Teacher Education
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
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