Host Jeremy C. Park talks with James Pond, President and CEO of Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, who highlights the nonprofit organization’s mission and efforts to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee. The organization acts as a thought leader, advisor, and catalyst to sustain early literacy programs for children statewide.
During the interview, James shares some of the history for the organization, which was founded by former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen in 2004 as a public-private partnership to foster a love of reading in preschool children by expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program statewide, giving all birth to age five children the opportunity to receive books in the mail at no cost to the families.
James talks about the power of early literacy for driving personal and professional success and also for economic development and competitive advantages for the State of Tennessee. He covers their key programs that are Birth-5 Book Delivery through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Storybook Trails, Book Buses, Caregiver Engagement and K-3 Home Library.
James then talks about the balance of books with technology and how they are using AI to elevate the reading and learning experience with physical books. He wraps up talking about how the community can get involved to support their efforts.
Visit https://governorsfoundation.org to learn more and to get involved with Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation.
https://www.facebook.com/GovEarlyLiteracyTN/
