Pearl River Community College’s Iota Mu Phi Theta Kappa Honors in Action (HiA) team is promoting literacy through its research based project this year.
The HiA team is hosting a virtual book fair to promote literacy in young children. The project’s objective is to collect books for students in the third grade and donate them to local elementary schools. The group has partnered with Poplarville Upper Elementary and Nicholson Elementary in Picayune to provide books to their students.
“I’m excited to promote reading and help children get as excited about books as I was when I was younger,” HiA member Jessica Helgerson said. “I think this book fair is a great opportunity for the children within our community.”
Through their research the HiA team learned about the detrimental effects illiteracy can have on a community. The effects such as increased dropout rates, high unemployment, incarceration probability and early death spurred their determination to make a difference in their local communities. They also learned that the third-grade age level was crucial in a child’s development. With many young students turning to virtual learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and relying more on sometimes difficult to access technology, HiA students thought it was important for local third-graders to have access to physical books to promote literacy.
Those interested in purchasing books for the virtual book fair can do so directly from teacher’s wish lists here. Monetary donations can also be made through the PRCC Alumni Foundation link https://prcc.edu/alumni/donate. Simply select Phi Theta Kappa Literacy Project from the drop-down menu.
“I am excited to help my community and hope to encourage a positive attitude toward reading,” HiA member Anna Knoll said.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats) Instagram](PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).
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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.
