AU Books for Youth

The AU Books for Youth Drive is being conducted as a social justice project out of the American University  Advanced Leadership Program. Since the Fall of 2016 our group of six students has been conducting research on how to best support incarcerated youth in the D.C. area and has been building relationships with local organizations. Through this six month journey we have found that one of the greatest needs for incarcerated youth is the access to quality education, which can supported through access to literature and notebooks. Thus, our book drive was born. 

All books that are donated throughout this drive will be going toward two main beneficiaries: Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DCYRS) and the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center.

In addition to the books collected on the AU campus we are looking to buy books as well that are specifically requested by the main beneficiaries, as well as notebooks for the youth so they can express themselves through writing. In order to fund this portion of the book drive we are seeking donations so we can purchase books and notebooks. Any monetary donations are greatly appreciated,  as it will directly benefit the lives of incarcerated youth in the area. 

 
In the spirit of Dr. Seuss we conduct this project believing that, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” We want the youth of today to go far, to achieve incredible things, reach book drive full potential, and grow a passion for reading. Thank you for supporting our book drive!