How PBC Champions Literacy as Leadership

Every year, International Literacy Day reminds us that literacy is a pathway to empowerment, self-expression, and leadership. Reading and writing help to open doors, and we recognize the importance of helping young people discover their voices and tell their stories. At Princeton-Blairstown Center, we provide several opportunities to strengthen these skills through our programs, understanding that literacy shapes the next generation of leaders. 

Whether reflecting around a campfire, competing in team challenges, or diving into a good book, literacy at Blairstown takes many forms. Each of the moments students have on our Campus shows literacy is more than what's on the page. It is about preparing youth to lead with confidence, empathy, and purpose. 

What is International Literacy Day?

International Literacy Day (ILD) is an annual celebration declared by UNESCO to highlight the critical importance of literacy for creating a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society.  Since 1967, the day of awareness has been used to remind those in power and the public that literacy is a driver of opportunity and a human right. Around the world, September 8th is a means of celebrating progress in education while also raising awareness about the millions of people who still lack access to the ability to read and write.

Despite progress, in 2024, over 730 million youth and adults worldwide still lacked basic literacy skills. Likewise, 4 in 10 children are not reaching minimum reading proficiency. Digitalization has also increased the importance of critical thinking, discerning credible information, and navigating complex information environments, as well as other fundamentals of literacy. Particularly for marginalized groups, the lack of access to strong education can deepen literacy inequities and limit opportunities for leadership and growth. 

We recognize these challenges and understand literacy to be the foundation for bright futures, strong communities, and great leaders. 

Literacy in Action at Summer Bridge

One program that puts literacy in action is our annual Summer Bride Program. Outside of the fun adventure-based learning opportunities, such as ziplining and high-ropes courses, our Summer Bridge Program also prioritizes academic enrichment. Daily, students receive dedicated time for literacy, as well as STEAM and STEM lessons. 

A highlight of Summer Bridge is the weekly free book fair, where every student gets to choose a book of their own to take home. For many students, this may be the first time they’ve had the chance to select a book based on their interests, and not required for a class. The simple act of choice makes a powerful difference in getting young people excited about reading and reinforcing that their voices and preferences matter.

A noteworthy moment of this past summer was that we celebrated National Summer Learning Week with an author visit. We welcomed award-winning educator and author Stephen Chiger to our Campus as he shared his whimsical book, “Gram and Gran Save the Summer with us”. Chiger spent a lot of time during his very interactive presentation talking to students about digital literacy, which was the central theme of his book. The students were deeply engaged, asking thoughtful questions about his writing process and even wondering if the story would become a series. One student was so inspired that she read the book three times and couldn’t wait to share it with her younger cousins.

Literacy Beyond the Page

Our Venture Out program is another essential part of how we help young people grow into leaders. Launched in 2023, the Venture Out Program provides middle school students from Trenton public schools with hands-on environmental education that aligns with New Jersey’s science curriculum. Through inquiry-based lessons on forest ecology, wildlife, climate change, and stream studies, students strengthen not only their scientific literacy but also their ability to ask questions and analyze information. 

The results speak for themselves, with 75% of participants feeling prepared to be leaders among their peers in protecting the environment, and 77% understanding there are jobs and career opportunities for them in STEM. These outcomes show that literacy, including scientific, environmental, or social, creates empowered, informed young leaders.

Each of our programs, whether Summer Bridge, Venture Out, or Leaders-In-Training, showcases that literacy is about opening doors. Education, critical thinking, and communication not only shape leaders but also provide the tools to imagine futures they may not have thought possible. It sparks curiosity and builds confidence, showing students that their voices and ideas matter. Every lesson, every question, and every shared story is a step toward leadership. When young people embrace literacy in all its forms, they gain the power not only to create change but to strive for more.

How to Get Involved?

International Literacy Day serves as a reminder that literacy encompasses more than just reading and writing. It’s about voice, identity, and leadership. By building literacy into every aspect of our programs, we’re not only preparing students for academic success, we’re equipping them to build stronger, more connected communities. Literacy leads to leadership, and leadership leads to lasting change.

This past Thursday, the Princeton-Blairstown Center’s Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, and Golf Committee proudly hosted the 2025 Annual Links to Youth Golf Outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, NJ. The day brought together 75 professionals, executives, Trustees, volunteers, and supporters for a successful fundraising event benefiting our high-quality outdoor education programs, which support youth from historically marginalized communities.

Up next, please join us for An Evening at Bass Lake on Saturday, October 18th, where guests can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Blairstown Campus, while celebrating our local community with food, drinks, and music. This fundraising event will support our newest environmental and STEM education program, Venture Out.

For more information, please check out our website.