We believe reading is a life skill, not a privilege.
We transform culturally trusted spaces, beginning with Black barbershops, into literacy hubs where children build confidence, strengthen identity, and develop the skills that open doors to lifelong opportunity.
When a child reads out loud in the barbershop chair, something powerful happens:
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Confidence grows.
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Culture is affirmed.
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A community shows up.
Your gift helps us place diverse books into children’s hands, train barbers as literacy mentors, and expand our model to reach more families across Tampa Bay.
Why Your Support Matters.
CRC currently operates from a single shop, serving approximately 60 children per month, with dozens of young readers having “graduated” through the program. Demand from additional barbers is strong — but sustainable funding remains our biggest hurdle.
We are building toward a broader Literacy Ecosystem Partnership, a collaborative, wraparound model connecting literacy, mentorship, and youth development across organizations
Your donation directly fuels:
Donate to CRC today and empower lives while fostering a lifelong love for literacy.
Competitive Readers Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your information is secure and will never be sold or shared.
Support Our Online Store
You can also support the Competitive Readers Coalition by purchasing stylish apparel from bonfire, our online store.
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