Podium's Back to School Campaign

Welcoming youth back to school is our top priority this fall. To do it right, Podium raises funds to combat learning loss across Richmond and to print and distribute our annual literary journals at schools and with the families and youth we serve. Reported by McKinsey & Company (2021), learning loss as a result of COVID-19 is at an all time high and has set back learning for all students, but especially for students of color and of lower incomes.

Many children will come back to school this fall a full-year behind expected literacy gains. Podium addresses this disparity by providing weekly mentorship opportunities and accessible writing workshops for Richmond youth. By printing Journal 11 to give to youth, their families, and schools, Podium provides crucial tools that encourage peer-to-peer learning, reading, and comprehension possibilities at all times. For everyone who makes a donation to our Back to School campaign this August, Podium will share a digital copy of Journal 11. Grab yours today!