Every child deserves a story.
At NextChapter, we’re on a mission to close America’s literacy gap by putting books and educational resources into the hands of kids who need them most. Because when children have the tools to read, they gain the power to learn, dream, and shape their own future.
But lets get to the issue at hand…
There is a literacy epidemic in America.
Over the past few years, we have seen a decline in literacy rates for children.
Thirty-one percent of fourth-grade students performed at or above the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) Proficient level on the reading assessment in 2024—2 percentage points lower compared to 2022 and not significantly different from 1992, the first reading assessment year.
(The Nations Report Card, 2024).
This needs to change.
And we are here to bring it.
Our Goals:
Goal 1: Distribute books and educational materials to as many children as we can.
Goal 2: Build Community amongst chapters and schools.
Goal 3: Expand all across the country.
Goal 1:
Distribute books and educational materials to as many children as we can.
Too many students in America face barriers to accessing the books and learning resources they need—whether due to underfunded schools, limited community libraries, or financial hardship at home. Our goal is to break down these barriers by providing children with free books and educational materials that spark curiosity, build essential literacy skills, and open doors to new opportunities.
We are committed to reaching as many children as possible, because literacy is more than just reading—it is the foundation of education, empowerment, and equal opportunity. By donating books to schools, libraries, and community programs, we ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed not only in the classroom, but also in life. Every book we distribute is a seed of possibility: the chance for a student to discover a new passion, expand their imagination, or strengthen their confidence as a learner.
With every book we distribute, a child gains the chance to improve their literacy skills and discover new opportunities for growth. These resources don’t just support learning today—they lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Goal 2:
Build community amongst chapters and schools.
At NextChapter, we know that lasting change is built through connection. Our goal is to strengthen and expand a network of chapters in schools, libraries, and communities across the country, creating spaces where students, educators, and volunteers can come together around a shared commitment to literacy. Each chapter is more than just a local hub for book distribution—it’s a place where young people learn the value of service, collaboration, and leadership.
By linking chapters and schools to one another, we foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose that extends beyond any single classroom. Students who participate in NextChapter’s community don’t just receive books—they become part of a movement that empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey and support the success of others. These connections help create a ripple effect: one school inspiring another, one community uplifting the next.
Through this growing network, we are building not only readers, but also leaders—young people who understand the power of knowledge, the importance of giving back, and the strength of coming together to create a brighter future.
By building strong chapters, we create a support system where students and educators inspire one another. Together, these communities amplify our mission and ensure that the power of reading reaches even further.
Goal 3:
Expand all across the country.
Our vision for NextChapter reaches far beyond individual schools or communities—we aim to bring our mission to every corner of the nation. Too many children face unequal access to books and educational resources simply because of where they live. By expanding NextChapter across the country, we strive to ensure that no child is left without the opportunity to discover the joy of reading and the doors it opens.
National growth means reaching rural towns where libraries are scarce, urban schools that struggle with underfunding, and every community in between. It means building new partnerships with educators, students, and local leaders who share our passion for literacy. Most importantly, it means creating a nationwide movement where every chapter of NextChapter strengthens the next, working together to close the literacy gap for good.
Our expansion is about more than spreading an organization—it’s about spreading hope, possibility, and opportunity. As we grow, every book placed in a child’s hands becomes part of a larger story: one where literacy is not a privilege, but a right shared by all.
Expansion allows us to bring hope and opportunity to children in every region, from small towns to big cities. Each new chapter strengthens the movement, proving that literacy can unite and uplift the entire nation.
In Conclusion…
At NextChapter, we believe every kid deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream big through reading. By giving out books, starting chapters, and reaching more schools across the country, we’re making sure no one is left behind. Every book we share is a step toward a brighter future, and we know that with the help of our friends, teachers, and communities, we can make a real difference—one chapter at a time.