We’re removing the barrier of illiteracy

Pi Beta Phi’s commitment to literacy dates back almost 100 years to the founding of a settlement school in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Pi Phi was solely responsible for all education in Gatlinburg from 1912-1969. Since that time, the original settlement school evolved into the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Today both the Fraternity and the Foundation remain passionate about education and literacy. The Foundation is proud to support the Fraternity’s literacy heritage by funding literacy initiatives such as the following:

  • Pi Beta Phi / First Book® Partnership  – This national partnership boosts Pi Phi’s literacy visibility and credibility and, in turn, increases our ability to make a significant impact - both nationally and in our individual communities.
  • Champions Are Readers® (CAR)  – Pi Phi’s month-long reading enrichment program for third graders, CAR improves reading skills, instills a lifelong love of reading, and promotes family literacy
  • Fraternity Day of Service – Held each year in observance of Read Across America Day on or around March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
    • In 2005, the Foundation supplied 8,000 books for distribution to children on select Southwest Airlines flights
    • In 2006, we made a significant contribution to Pi Phi’s First Book Virtual Book drive to help the Fraternity meet their $125,000 goal.

Why does literacy matter?

  • People who can read tend to be more successful and have more earning capacity.
  • Literate parents set their children up for successful and healthy lives.
  • Illiteracy is a factor in the rate of homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty and lack of healthcare.
  • 80% of those in prison didn’t finish high school; half of those can’t read or write.
  • Increasing high school graduation rates by just one percent would save $1.4 billion in costs associated with jails and prisons.

Pi Beta Phi’s Literacy Vision:
Pi Beta Phi is dedicated to philanthropic and community service efforts that will remove the barrier of illiteracy.

Click here to designate a gift for Literacy