Books as Bridges

Books as Bridges engages approximately 3,000 students worldwide each year through pen-pal friendships. They gain knowledge of social studies, language arts, and humanities through real-life assignments including writing pen-pal letters, creating and completing a service-learning project, and participating in Books as Bridges cultural activities.

Books as Bridges offers many benefits for both Central Kentucky and international classrooms. International partners receive a shipment of books sent from the International Book Project, online curriculum resources, and a stipend to help offset program-related costs. Teachers in Kentucky receive our “Issues of the Developing World” curriculum and a Pen-Pal Prep Session, where the students are introduced to life in their partner country. Additionally, Books as Bridges provides a Cultural Literacy Lesson, where students learn about their pen-pals’ culture through a 1-2 hour interactive lesson.

Globe photo above is by Allison D. Harnish.