Turning Pages, Changing Lives: The Words Alive Story

When everyone can read, whole communities thrive! Reading builds minds, opens doors, and transforms futures. And for over two decades, Words Alive has been proving that — one book, one voice, one volunteer, and one reader at a time. Founded in 1999 Words Alive began with a simple yet powerful belief: If you understand the value of reading, you’re better equipped to thrive — as a learner, a parent, and a member of your community.

What started as a volunteer-led book club for systemically disinvested teens has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit, reaching 6,000+ children, teens, and families across San Diego every year — inspiring a lifelong commitment to reading in those who need it most.

Impact at a Glance

• 3 Core Programs

• 800+ volunteers from San Diego, across California, and around the world

• 22,000+ books and school supplies building personal libraries every year

• 80+ community partners including Title I schools, Head Start programs, afterschool programs, childcares, and more

• 94% of caregivers are more confident to support their child as a reader

• 80% of teachers report their students read more frequently

• 60% of teens report growth in social-emotional learning and skills.

From Storytelling to Lifelong Literacy

Words Alive’s approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and joyful — rooted in deep relationships and driven by a belief that literacy is a right, not a privilege.

• Their Read Aloud Program brings reading to life for young students, helping them develop critical thinking and vocabulary skills — while falling in love with stories.

• The Adolescent Book Group engages teens facing barriers like unstable housing, foster care, or juvenile justice involvement, using books as mirrors and bridges — to see themselves, and to see beyond.

• And through the Family Literacy Program, parents and caregivers are empowered to become their child’s first and most important teacher.

Celebrated as the national PGA TOUR 2023 Charity of the Year, every day Words Alive is turning reading into a force for equity and opportunity.

At TALTalks 2025, we’ll hear their inspiring journey — how this organization is inspiring a dedicated force of volunteers to transform communities through the power of reading.

Because when you help someone fall in love with reading, you give them the tools to write their own next chapter.