Every year on International Literacy Day, the Library of Congress honors organizations that make a real impact in advancing reading and literacy. Through its Literacy Awards, established in 2013, the library has awarded more than $3.8 million to over 200 programs in 40 countries. This year, two Penn GSE-related initiatives are being honored among the 24 awardees: one launched by an alumna whose vision now reaches far beyond campus, and another established at GSE and led by faculty. The Library of Congress will convene the award recipients for a symposium and recognition event in Washington, D.C., next month.

Start Lighthouse, a New York-based nonprofit launched by Rina Madhani, GED’19, was recognized as an Emerging Strategies Honoree and awarded $5,000 for demonstrating creativity and promise in its approach to literacy within its first five years of development.

“This recognition from the Library of Congress affirms Start Lighthouse’s belief that literacy is a fundamental right and a pathway to joy, belonging, and opportunity,” said Ms. Madhani. “In the South Bronx, we’ve transformed under-used library spaces into vibrant literacy hubs that place children and families at the center of joyful reading experiences. This honor strengthens our broader vision to advance literacy equity within New York City and beyond, and it motivates us to continue growing our model in the years ahead.”

In addition, the Philadelphia Writing Project (PhilWP) at Penn GSE, a site of the National Writing Project (NWP), was recognized as a Successful Practice Honoree and awarded $10,000 for its innovative implementation of literacy promotion practices. 

“Because PhilWP has demonstrated a deep commitment to teaching writing and amplifying the voices of teachers, children, and youth since 1986, it is momentous to be recognized by the Library of Congress for our collaborative efforts to advance literacy,” said PhilWP director and Penn GSE literacy studies faculty member Jen McLaughlin Cahill. “Writing and storytelling have profoundly shaped my identity and relationships within the communities I serve. The PhilWP network reaches 800+ educators who comprise a passionate and dynamic teacher inquiry community, and being part of that, while receiving this recognition from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program, is a tremendous honor. We’re excited about the projects this prize will help us fund, especially for the brilliant teachers and youth of Philadelphia.”