Supporting Literacy: NCSEP (Books and Grant Donation to Lancaster County Library)

Samhita Desaraju and team contributed to the community by donating a substantial collection of books that they had gathered during an extensive book drive. The book drive, which took place over several weeks, encouraged individuals from various backgrounds to contribute books that they no longer needed or wanted. Samhita's donation included different genres, ranging from children's literature and educational textbooks to novels and reference materials, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

In Lancaster County, South Carolina, the shelves of the local library were sparse, especially in the science and health sections. For students at underfunded Tier 1 schools, this meant fewer resources to explore careers in medicine, understand their health, or fall in love with learning.

80%+ of students in Lancaster County School District qualify for free/reduced-price lunch (SC DOE, 2023). 12.5% child poverty rate in Lancaster County (U.S. Census, 2022). Only ~40% of South Carolina high school students meet state science proficiency benchmarks (NAEP, 2022).

Students in book-rich environments are 3x more likely to pursue STEM careers (National Literacy Trust). South Carolina schools with strong library programs see 15% higher graduation rates (SC State Library, 2021).