Start Lighthouse

Founded in Bronx, NY, Start Lighthouse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to advancing childhood literacy through a social justice lens. Childhood illiteracy is an everyone, everywhere problem. This is especially the case in the Bronx, where 70% of students do not read proficiently. The biggest barrier to literacy in the Bronx is access to books.

Since its founding in March 2020, Start Lighthouse has distributed more than 21,015 brand-new multicultural books, with a value of more than $400,385. Start Lighthouse addresses the literacy crisis by creating compelling, rewarding reading programs for children and families. Our method includes “Literary Adventures” hosted in conjunction with partner public schools to build home libraries and foster a sense of book ownership; diverse representation in the books we distribute so students see themselves in what they read; and creating permanent spaces in partner public schools to support literacy development for students as well as family members and caregivers. Start Lighthouse rehabilitates abandoned libraries at partner public schools, establishing permanent homes for its programming and representing a significant step in reviving unused library spaces across the Bronx.

In two years, Start Lighthouse has delivered over 500+ hours of programming to schools and families, distributed 21,015 brand-new multicultural and culturally responsive books, and impacted 5,117 students in the Bronx.