Women-led Organizations Spark Partnership to Increase Early Readers
Atlanta, GA – Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company and BK International Education Consultancy focus on advancing education equity brought them together to create an intergenerational early literacy program in low child well-being communities. Research shows that children who have adults read to them improve vocabulary by 30%. Transform the SPARK (Students and Parents Accessing Reading by Kindergarten), is an evidence-based, but uniquely new program to South DeKalb County, Georgia where families and childhood providers learn side-by-side through bi-monthly virtual meetups. The goal of TTS is to close the education equity gap by increasing strong learners and readers through culturally-relevant literacy tools.
TTS is designed to ensure more young children have quality learning experiences at home, at early childhood providers, and in the community. “At Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company, we turn everyday places, like your living room, into public learning classrooms to reimagine learning landscapes and build education equity. A partnership naturally sparked with BK International Education Consultancy because we share the same philosophy. We believe everyone regardless of zip code has the right to have access to quality education and opportunities. Through this program we are transforming what developing strong learners can look like, sound like and act like in the new normal in order to drive child well-being,” stated Josette Hutton Evans, CEO and Founder of Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company.
Transform the SPARK received funding from the DeKalb SPARK Prize from United Way of Greater Atlanta to pilot the program in South DeKalb in zip codes 30035, 30316, 30032, 30034, and 30038. Over the course of one year, TTS will support the whole child with systematic, explicit oral language development where families and childcare providers engage in culturally-relevant, hands-on activities that increase vocabulary, STEM literacy, and prep for Kindergarten. “By increasing access to books for home libraries, developing family reading rituals, using innovative technology, and training local childcare providers on culturally-relevant literacy strategies, we can close the education equity gap which is a driver of positive community outcomes,” said BK International Education Consultancy CEO and Founder, Bejanae Kareem.
Families and childhood providers of TTS receive unlimited digital access to reading tips, stories, and incentives by Sesame Street in Communities and Google. TTS outcomes will increase access to early learning, increase access to quality learning materials, enhance family time, increase community sustainability, with more than 360 books distributed.
To register your family or Early Childhood Provider organization for Transform The SPARK, apply before September 20, 2021: tinyurl.com/SPARKREAD2
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About Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company, Inc.
At Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company, we believe quality education is a human right, and the earlier historically under-served people are exposed and immersed in quality education and living opportunities, the better the entire world can operate.
We exist to disrupt the denial of equitable education to people who have been historically underserved by zip code and geography, gender, race / nationality /color/creed, socioeconomic status, age, and housing circumstance. To learn how we are equipping students for success, supporting healthy family foundations, and helping communities thrive, visit www.metincpowerco.org.
About BK International Education Consultancy
BK International Education Consultancy’s mission is to strengthen learning communities through program development, professional learning, and project management. With 20+ years of leadership and experience in education, BKIEC accomplishes this through customized interactive learning experiences for K-12 students, educators, school leaders, and families. BK International Education Consultancy is an International Association for Continuing Education and Training accredited provider of CEUs and is a minority and woman-owned business enterprise based in Georgia. Visit www.bkconsultancy.org/courses to learn more.