Headshot Photo of Jordan Grabelle
2021 Award Recipient

JordanGrabelle

Project Love Letters for Literacy

Location Voorhees, NJ

Issue Area Education | Poverty

As a child and avid reader volunteering at literacy events in underserved communities, Jordan was shocked to see middle school students gravitate towards books for much younger readers. She combined her passions for reading and arts and crafts to create Love Letters for Literacy (LLL), which focuses on teaching the alphabet to preschoolers and ESL students with colorful play-based literacy packets created by LLL volunteers.

Fifty percent of at-risk children begin first grade with early literacy skills up to two years behind their more advantaged peers; LLL seeks to equalize the educational playing field by helping close the achievement gap with fun, educational games families can play together. Since 2014, LLL has mobilized over 19,600 volunteers worldwide, developed relationships with over 60 nonprofits and Head Start programs, and helped over 43,000 underserved children learn to read in all 50 states and 30 other countries.

A child’s ability to succeed in school, attend college, and earn a better income all begins with reading.

Jordan Grabelle
A group of young students holding up their Love Letters for Literacy.

Love Letters for Literacy

lovelettersliteracy.org

Jordan created Love Letters for Literacy (LLL), which focuses on teaching the alphabet to preschoolers and ESL students with colorful play-based literacy packets created by LLL volunteers. Fifty percent of at-risk children begin first grade with early literacy skills up to two years behind their more advantaged peers; LLL seeks to equalize the educational playing field by helping close the achievement gap with fun, educational games families can play together. Since 2014, LLL has mobilized over 19,600 volunteers worldwide, developed relationships with over 50 nonprofits and Head Start programs, and helped over 43,000 underserved children learn to read in all 50 states and 30 other countries.

A couple of students creating Love Letters for Literacy.
Love Letters for Literacy logo