Building Lifelong Readers Through Community Partnership in San Diego

For the second year in a row, we were thrilled to partner with the San Diego Book Project to place books directly into the hands of San Diego students, inspiring them to keep reading throughout the summer. Thanks to the dedication, organization, and hard work of the San Diego Book Project, led by 7‑time Carson Scholar Sydney Mafong, this meaningful initiative was a tremendous success for everyone involved.

On May 21st and May 22nd, the San Diego Book Project distributed more than 2,000 new and gently used books to approximately 700 students at two San Diego Unified elementary schools with Think Big reading rooms. Students at Edison Elementary and Cabrillo Elementary were the happy recipients of the books.

Both the Ben Carson/Think Big Reading Room Project and the San Diego Book Project share a mission to foster literacy and nurture a lifelong love of reading among young people, supporting their academic growth and appreciation for books. That shared purpose was unmistakable in the excitement on students’ faces as they selected their books, eager to dive into new adventures throughout the summer. Each donated book carries the power to spark imagination, inspire learning, build confidence, and create memories that last well beyond the season.

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make this event a success, from those who donated books to those who volunteered their time to distribute them. Their hard work and support made a huge impact. Together, we were able to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of students and encourage a love of reading that we hope will continue far past this summer.

We look forward to continuing initiatives and partnerships like this in the future and are always looking for more opportunities to support students, schools, and communities across the country.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event successful!