BK Story Voyager receives grant
The Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF) funds causes related to the acquisition of knowledge as part of their philosophy. Since 2019, GKF has supported St. Nicks Alliance’s BK Story Voyager, which is their flagship for literacy. This purple book bus provides children and families at local schools, after-school centers, and community events with inspiring experiences that spark engagement with books and a life-long love of literacy. In October 2023, GKF approved a grant of $75,000 to St Nicks Alliance for one year to improve literacy of more than two thousand students from kindergarten to grade 5, in addition to one thousand students in middle school and community members.
“It is heartwarming to see the enthusiasm with which middle school students welcome the BKSV at their respective schools every few weeks. Not only do they love browsing through the selection of books, but also stay engaged during the lessons, as the lessons have been designed on topics that are likely to appeal to them. The program goes a long way towards addressing learning loss due to COVID. GKF has been a consistent supporter of the program for many years because it aligns well with our goal of enhancing the education of young children,” said Mukund Padmanabhan, president of Guru Krupa Foundation.
“St. Nicks Alliance is immensely grateful to Guru Krupa Foundation for its invaluable commitment to the BK Story Voyager. Guru Krupa Foundation’s ongoing partnership ensures thousands of children and community members can grow as readers through literacy lessons and access to high-quality, culturally responsive literature,” said Debra Sue Lorenzen, director of St. Nicks Alliance Youth and Education.
The BK Story Voyager began its journey as an idea for a project in 2014’s Participatory Budgeting, and won funding due to community votes. It became a reality in February 2016, and continues to address a real problem in our community: lack of access to books. In order for children to choose to read they must be able to pursue their own passions and interest, and have access to a wide variety of literature and materials. The BK Story Voyager also offers a wide range of enriching and fun experiences for kids of all ages and backgrounds at St. Nicks Alliance after-school centers and local events.
The Greenline 