EmpowerLit is a South Carolina–based nonprofit dedicated to building literacy, confidence, and belonging in children. Our signature program is author visits in schools—and our goal is to bring 50 of these transformative visits to classrooms each year nationwide.
Why It Matters
Right now, 1 in 3 kids feels like they don’t belong, and only 30% read at grade level. But when children see themselves in stories and learn the power of their own voice—everything changes.
EmpowerLit is on a mission to change that with your help! Every $1 vote in this contest helps bring author visits, literacy camps, and storytelling workshops to classrooms where kids need hope—and heroes—the most.
Your votes fund moments like these:
“I learned that it doesn't matter about how you look, dress or smell. We are all humana. You do belong” – Naziah
5th Grade Student "This visit wasn't just about literacy; it was about hope. Gina gave our students something priceless: the belief that their stories are worth telling." Jessica Flowers, Media Specialist at Manchester Elementary
📚 Every pet entered helps a child believe they belong—and fall in love with reading.