Who We Are
POW’s Role in Supporting Underserved Communities
POW works to destigmatize reading and writing in underprivileged communities by creating safe, engaging spaces where learning feels creative, relevant, and enjoyable. Over the past four years, we have witnessed a sharp decline in fundamental literacy skills following COVID-19. According to the 2022 NAEP Long-Term Trend Assessment, reading and mathematics scores fell across all student groups compared to 2020, with the steepest declines among lower-performing students—many from low-income and marginalized communities.
This reality highlights how fractured communities face greater barriers in meeting academic challenges and overcoming new hardships. Despite efforts by schools and governing bodies, a substantial gap remains in providing adequate support and resources. Contributing factors include:
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Lack of community trust in organizations that lack lived experience.
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Too few safe, welcoming spaces where learning feels fun and empowering.
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Barriers such as transportation issues and inconsistent access to resources.
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POW seeks to bridge these gaps by designing programs that center joy, creativity, and real-world application, helping participants rebuild critical skills, nurture confidence, and strengthen their voices within the community.
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Play On Words Goals
Our goal is to close the literacy gap in reading and writing for students living in Louisville’s inner-city zip codes
Short term goal (1-2 years)
By providing accessible, culturally relevant literacy programs rooted in fun, engaging workshops that increase reading engagement and confidence among inner-city students and young adults. Through after school programs, creative writing workshops, and partnerships with families, the program will aim to raise reading proficiency by at least 10% among participating students while fostering trust between communities and education organizations.
Long term goal (3-7 years)
Close the literacy achievement gap between inner city and East end students by creating sustainable pathways to academic success. Programming will expand into community centers, establish mentorship and peer learning networks, and integrate literacy with fun, critical thinking activities. By aligning with others, the program seeks to achieve district wide improvements in literacy proficiency and ensure that all students, regardless of neighborhood, have equal opportunities to thrive academically and beyond.
Short Term goal Resume Workshops
Within the next 1–2 years, we aim to equip participants with strong resume-writing skills and job readiness tools, helping at least 75% of workshop attendees create professional resumes and successfully pursue employment or internship opportunities
Long term goal Resume Building
Over the next 3–5 years, our goal is to expand resume-building and career readiness programs to reach a larger number of young adults in Louisville’s inner city. By providing continued support in professional writing, interview preparation, and career planning, we aim to increase long-term employment rates, foster entrepreneurship, and help participants build sustainable career paths that lead to economic stability and self-sufficiency.