Houston Public Library has partnered with the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to create and distribute Lifesaver Literacy Kits, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the city.

The release stated the kits are part of a program to “equip literacy centers with the tools needed to help adult students build confidence, skills and long-term academic success.”

“This program is a prime example of how collaboration between public and private partners can drive innovation that opens doors for learners across all of Houston,” said Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation.

How it works

Each literacy center participating in the program receives one Teacher Kit, five Student Kits and digital licenses for online learning.

The kits include Brainchild Study Buddy devices, Challenger books, dictionaries and calculators, as well as additional materials that can be reused across multiple classes, according to the release.

Additionally, the program will use assessments and monthly reports to track progress and ensure transparency. Feedback surveys will also be introduced to “help scale the model to additional literacy centers in the future.”

“These kits reflect [Houston Public Library’s] commitment to meeting learners where they are and removing barriers to education,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of the Houston Public Library. “By combining hands-on tools with digital resources, we’re helping adult students access the support they need to succeed at every stage of their learning journey.”