The DREAM Project is selected as a Successful Practices Honoree by the United States Library of Congress
Mi Mundo students showing past issues of the magazine
Washington, DC – DREAM's successful implementation of literacy promotion practices has been recognized by the United States Library of Congress, being acknowledged as a Successful Practices Honoree. The recognition was specifically given for DREAM's work on Mi Mundo, a free community magazine published by DREAM students. Aspiring young journalists gain hands-on experience creating content relevant to children, youth and families in their community, written and organized into a dynamic, family-friendly publication that puts Dominican culture at the forefront. Students report on local stories embedded in Dominican life, such as community members, sports, food and music.
This year, the DREAM Project is one of the 12 organizations honored by the Library of Congress for their implementation of highly successful practices in literacy promotion across the world.
DREAM's innovative approach to fostering literacy among Dominican youth
Mi Mundo is the community's first magazine written by, read by and created for our community. Young local journalists work hard for months getting a real, hands-on experience that will help them in their future job search: using a laptop, learning how to ask questions and analyze and summarize information, improving their writing skills and, of course, having fun! Full of photographs and interesting articles, from music, sports and local plants, to interviews of community members and editorials about the issues that affect our youth, our free magazine is available to thousands of families in the community and creates readers and writers of all ages. To date, eight issues of Mi Mundo have been published. Get a free copy of our Mi Mundo magazine by clicking here!
Mi Mundo student gathering information for the ninth edition of the magazine
About the Library of Congress Literacy Awards
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards are intended to draw public attention to the importance of literacy and the need to promote literacy and encourage reading. Since 2013, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program has awarded more than $2.5 million in prizes to more than 150 institutions in 38 countries. By recognizing current achievements, the awards seek to enable any organization or program that does not operate on a for-profit basis to strengthen its involvement in literacy and reading promotion and to encourage collaboration with like-minded organizations.
Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program honors organizations that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in the United States or abroad. The awards also encourage the continuing development of innovative methods for combating illiteracy and the wide dissemination of the most effective practices.
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program features four categories:
The David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000) is awarded for an outstanding and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels to an organization based either inside or outside the United States that has demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in its commitment to the advancement of literacy. The organization will meet the highest standards of excellence in its operations and services.
The American Prize ($50,000) is awarded for a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in the United States or the national awareness of the importance of literacy to an organization that is based in the United States.
The International Prize ($50,000) is awarded for a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in a country other than the United States to an organization that is based either inside or outside the United States.
Successful Practices Honorees ($5,000): Each year up to 15 organizations that apply in the three major prize categories are recognized for their successful implementation of a specific literacy practice.