About the Betsy Book Bus
The Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation promotes early literacy efforts across the state of Tennessee by supporting and sustaining Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in all 95 counties. In Summer 2018, GBBF worked with three school systems in Northeast Tennessee to promote expanded engagement around books by launching summer book buses. Elizabethton City Schools launched the Betsy Book Bus in Elizabethton in Summer 2018 as part of this initiative. The purpose of the program is to improve literacy outcomes in Elizabethton.
In year one, 520 students received a total of 2,300 books!
Without exposure to rich texts throughout the summer, many students fall behind academically. We want to level the playing field for these students and work as a state to meet the Read to Be Ready literacy goal of 75 percent of third grade students being proficient in reading by 2025. GBBF, with an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant, provided partial funding to launch these buses. ECS donated the bus and labor to outfit the interior, and local sponsors helped us reach our fundraising goal to outfit the bus and staff the program. The program began in June 2018.
We couldn't do it without Sponsors!
We are currently seeking sponsors for our 2019 program. Sponsors will be recognized here, on social media, on press releases, and on flyers about the program. Additionally, sponsors donating more than $1,000 will have their logo placed on the bus for the duration of the summer program and school year. Please contact us today (423-547-8000) to get involved as a sponsor!
Sponsors
2018 Sponsors