The
following projects were initiated by the Oracle Set Book Club
and are now administered by the Foundation.
The
Claudette Franklin Ford Scholarship
This
scholarship program was established in 1998 in memory of Claudette
Franklin Ford, founder of the Oracle Set Book Club. The annual
essay competition targets graduating seniors in the DC Public
High Schools and Charter Schools who:
- have
been accepted in a college or university; and
- have
demonstrated an interest in communications as a profession.
School
counselors, English teachers, newspaper and yearbook advisors
distribute application materials and flyers throughout the
school system.
In
addition to a cash award, scholarship winners are featured
as special guests at the Oracle Set Book Club's annual book
and author luncheon where they have the opportunity to meet
the author and network with other members and guests who are
part of the local literary community.
The
program has awarded numerous academic scholarships to deserving
young adults. Recipients currently attend or are graduates
of a cross-section of colleges and universities around the
country. View application procedure here
or contact scholarship@oraclesetfoundation.org.
Community
Outreach
The
Oracle Set Book Club and Foundation have been official sponsors
of Reading is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) for many
years. In addition to an annual cash donation, the Book Club
promotes RIF and solicits volunteers at the annual luncheon.
Other
local literacy grant recipients -
- Experience
Corp - a program that recruits senior volunteers
as mentors and tutors for children in urban public and after-school
programs.
- Heads
Up - a Southeast DC educational enrichment program
that provides literacy support services to children in adjacent
neighborhoods.
- Love
Thy Neighbor - an after-school and summer enrichment
program based in the Southeast quadrant of the city.
- Youth
Organization United to Rise (YOUR) Community Center
- a program that provides before- and after-school academic
and cultural programs to elementary, middle, and high school
students in the Petworth neighborhood in Washington DC.
Student
Sponsorships
Teen
theater parties, donations of magazine subscriptions to local
children's hospitals, conducting joint book club meetings
with Shaw Junior High School students, and free tickets to
the Oracle Set Book and Author luncheon are a few activities
implemented to encourage an appreciation for reading among
school-age children.
Partnerships
The
Foundation partners with the DC Public Schools, DC LEARNS
(District of Columbia Literacy Education and Resource Network),
and selected libraries, bookstores, and literacy groups to
sponsor book events and other relevant activities.
Funding
Currently,
Foundation initiatives are funded from annual book club luncheon
proceeds, membership fees, and contributions from supporters.
We are launching a campaign to seek funding from the local
as well as wider area business community and foundations.
