“This past year as a Stein Fellow has been nothing short of transformative. I joined the program eager to give back—but I had no idea just how much I would gain in return.”
Holden Scyster, our Chief Operating Officer, recently completed his participation in the year-long Stein Fellowship, a leadership development and mentorship program established by philanthropists David and Linda Stein at United Way of Northeast Florida. As part of the Fellowship experience, Holden and his peers participated in regular volunteer opportunities across the community, including just last week when they gathered for an exterior rehabilitation project at a community center on the Northside.
Stein Fellows volunteer at the Full Service Schools facility at Ribault High School.
Holden is in the back row, center.
Volunteerism was a focus from the very beginning of the Stein Fellowship program. “Our cohort rolled up our sleeves and got to work right away, packing and decorating hundreds of care kits for students and families across Jacksonville,” Holden shared. “While the impact of those kits will be felt by the recipients, the act of serving alongside a dynamic group of passionate young professionals uplifted us, too. There’s something powerful about doing good together. It sparks joy, deepens purpose, and builds lasting community.”
Stein Fellows volunteer during the 2025 Martin Luther King Day, Jr. Day of Service.
The purpose of the Stein Fellowship is for graduates to become part of a broader network of young professionals who are committed to their communities and philanthropy in all forms, while deepening their knowledge of what community members want and need. “Throughout the Fellowship, I also had the opportunity to better understand the needs of Jacksonville—what’s working, what’s missing, and where we still need to grow to ensure every student and family has what they need to thrive. These insights not only expanded my understanding of our city but also sharpened my sense of where I can step in and contribute long after the fellowship ends.”
Upon acceptance into the Fellowship, Holden and his peers served as mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters for the year and were paired with a United Way Tocqueville Society member – creating an impactful two-way mentorship experience for Stein Fellows, where the mentor is also a mentee.
Stein Fellows celebrate during United Way of Northeast Florida's Champions of Change event.
“One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was mentoring a junior from Ed White High School through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida’s Beyond School Walls program. Each month, we’d meet over lunch, listen to a professional development presentation, and brainstorm how to put those lessons into action. Together, we built a LinkedIn profile, crafted an elevator pitch, explored internships, and searched for scholarships. But more than anything, I was inspired by my mentee’s heart—whether he was baking treats to bring joy to classmates or showing up as a talented drummer in school bands and orchestras, he reminded me what it means to lead with kindness and creativity. I’m excited to continue mentoring him next year as he prepares for his next big step: college.”
As a mentee, Holden reaped just as much benefit, sharing that, “As a bonus, I too gained a mentor—an incredible member of the Tocqueville Society whose wisdom, encouragement, and network helped me navigate new leadership responsibilities at READ USA. His reassurance and thoughtful insights gave me the confidence and clarity I needed to grow in my role and dream even bigger for my future.”
“This year reminded me that service isn’t a one-way street. It’s an ongoing exchange—of time, talents, wisdom, and hope. I’m so grateful to have walked this path with such inspiring peers and look forward to paying it forward in the years to come.”
Congratulations to Holden and the Stein Fellowship class of 2025 for your accomplishments – and thank you for your ever-growing commitment to our community! Team READ USA is excited to see all that comes in your respective futures!
Your Last Chance to VOTE!
If you’re a member of Target Circle, here’s your reminder:
You have until Monday, June 30 to VOTE for READ USA!
Since READ USA is an approved charity in the Target Circle program, that means YOU have the power to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to READ USA and the students, teens, teachers, and families we serve – but you only have 5 DAYS LEFT!
Here’s how to vote (and keep voting, because you can vote multiple times!):
Now through June 30, voting for READ USA through the Target Circle program will help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up, resulting in more funds coming to READ USA’s mission!
(You can read more about Target Circle here: www.target.com/circle.)
To vote, you must be a Target Circle member, and you can vote in the Target Circle app online at Target.com:
- Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
- Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
- Step 3: Find READ USA & vote
Thank you to Target for providing READ USA with this opportunity!
#ICYMI: Volunteer Help Needed THIS WEEK!
Team READ USA has an urgent need for support this week: help us finish getting our curriculum reading for the Fall semester of Literacy Tutoring!
Here are the details:
URGENT: Curriculum Inventory & Reorganization
Refresh and prepare our curriculum books for Fall Literacy Tutoring by sorting and inventorying leveled readers and then organizing the books/curriculum into sets in filing cabinets (instructions provided). This is an INDOOR (read: air-conditioned…) volunteer opportunity. More here.
Book Inventory
Sort and organize books to be reviewed and added to our READ USA book inventory for upcoming programming needs and book events. This is also an indoor volunteer opportunity. More here.
Upcoming Book Events:
- TOMORROW – Thursday, June 26: The Bad Guys Library Takeover with River City Readers, Pablo Creek Regional Branch of Jacksonville Public Library, 1-4 p.m. More here.
- Saturday, August 2: We have four – yes, 4! – back-to-school events all happening on this day with our friends and partners (and thankfully, all of them are indoors, too!):
You can read more details and sign up for each of these opportunities HERE!
THANK YOU to our volunteers for your ongoing support of READ USA – you are a vital part of Team READ USA!
For any questions about volunteering, contact Ms. Tabetha Cox, READ USA Chief Programs Officer, at tabetha@readusainc.com.
Children’s Book: On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
Cover illustrated by Tim O’Brien
Richard Peck’s On the Wings of Heroes is set during World War II. Told through the eyes of Davy Bowman, a young boy growing up in a quiet American town, the story offers a glimpse into everyday life during a time of global upheaval. With a blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and vivid realism, Peck crafts a narrative that highlights the strength of family, the spirit of community, and the understated heroism found far from the front lines.
At the heart of the novel is Davy, a young boy growing up in the 1940s. His older brother, Bill, enlists in the military and becomes a pilot flying dangerous missions across Europe. Davy idolizes Bill, and the family is both proud of and worried about him. Meanwhile, Davy’s father, who served in World War I, steps into a new role at home, working in civil defense and quietly guiding Davy with his calm wisdom.
The story is rich with historical detail, painting a vivid picture of life on the home front. From ration books and scrap drives to victory gardens and blackout curtains, Richard Peck brings the period to life in small, meaningful ways. As Davy grows, he becomes more aware of the pressure war takes not only on soldiers but on the families and communities waiting anxiously back home.
Mr. Peck explores different forms of bravery—not only the valor shown in combat, but also the steady, unglamorous courage of those holding things together at home. Bill represents the traditional image of a hero in uniform, while Davy’s father stands as a symbol of quiet strength and moral resolve.
Davy’s personal growth unfolds gently throughout the story. Through a series of life experiences and the people who shape him, he begins to grasp the deeper meanings of responsibility, loss, and bravery.
This story captures the powerful sense of togetherness and unity in small-town America during wartime. It pays tribute to the collective effort and sacrifices of everyday citizens who did their part to support the war from afar, reinforcing themes of patriotism, perseverance, and shared duty.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Parent Education Corner: Preventing Summer Slide
Summer projects that invite opportunities for storytelling, like creating a summer scrapbook or homemade comics, strengthen literacy skills while allowing students to express their ideas!
Summertime is a wonderful time to plan engaging activities that promote togetherness and literacy. Research shows that creative activities support cognitive development and academic growth, making them a valuable part of summer learning.
When children practice storytelling, they use their imagination and expand their vocabulary by incorporating new ideas and concepts. Let them play “theater” and put on a show inspired by characters that they read about in books during the summer.
Parents and families can inspire learning by hosting weekly game nights with strategy-based board games that build math and reading skills. Students can practice storytelling and self-expression by writing in journals, creating comics, or filming short videos.
Find a book that has been made into a movie your child would be interested in watching and read the book first. After your child has read the book and then watched the movie, you can discuss how they are different, what your child liked, and what they didn’t like. Extend the discussion by integrating writing and art. Invite your child to create a poster or flyer of the book or movie that they liked best.
It is important to remember that there are many fun yet effective ways to promote learning during the break. We know that the summer break does not have to be a time of learning loss.
By engaging in fun literacy activities, summertime can be a time of learning gains!
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!