United Way of West Central Mississippi’s LEARN Program Empowers Third Grade

Students with the Gift of Literacy

United Way of West Central Mississippi is thrilled to
announce the winners of the bookmark contest and the continued success of its LEARN
program, aimed at fostering a love for reading and literacy among third-grade students
in both public and private school districts across the region.

The LEARN program, an initiative driven by the United Way of West Central Mississippi,
aims to provide four books annually to every third-grade student, enriching their lives
through the power of literature. Alongside these books, each student receives a
specially crafted bookmark, adding a personal touch to their reading journey. The
bookmarks are created by the second grade students and then the staff of United Way
chooses four to be distributed with the books each quarter. Each winner also receives a
gift certificate courtesy of Lorelei Books.
The winners this year include:
Aryana Strawn- Porter’s Chapel Academy
Bentley Thomason- Bowmar Elementary
Maylee Stokes- Bovina Elementary
Keaghan Stanley- St. Francis

What sets the LEARN program apart is not just the provision of books, but the sense of
community involvement and collaboration it fosters. We have many community leaders
and volunteers that give of their time to read to the students. The bookmarks
accompanying each book are not simply chosen by staff members; rather, they are

artworks created by second-grade students, adding an element of excitement to the
books they receive.

“We believe in the transformative power of literacy, and the LEARN program embodies
our commitment to empowering young minds through the joy of reading,” said Alyssa
Lick, Director of Marketing and Resource Development at United Way of West Central
Mississippi. “By providing each third-grade student with books and personalized
bookmarks, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for reading and learning.”

The success of the LEARN program would not be possible without the generous
support of our sponsors. United Way of West Central Mississippi extends its heartfelt
gratitude to Ergon, Lorelei Books, The Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Vicksburg
Warren School District, The City of Vicksburg, Excel by 5, and Regions Bank for their
unwavering commitment to literacy and education in our community.

Through the collaborative efforts of sponsors and community partners, the LEARN
program continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, helping to
build a brighter future, one book at a time. United Way of West Central Mississippi was
able to distribute 14,344 books in the hands of children through not only the LEARN
program, but also the literacy intervention program, Dolly Parton Imagination Library,
Trunk or Treat, Day of Action, New Born Packets, and many more.

For more information about the LEARN program and other initiatives by United Way of
West Central Mississippi or if you would like to volunteer to read to the students, please
contact us at 601-636-1733 and speak with Ruby Green.

About United Way of West Central Mississippi:
United Way of West Central Mississippi is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals
and families in our community by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers, and
community partners. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, United Way
of West Central Mississippi addresses the most pressing issues facing our community,
creating lasting change and building a stronger, more resilient community for all.