Oracle Set Foundation, Inc.

History

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    Established in 1999 as a 501c (3) organization, the Oracle Set Foundation administers the literacy support activities started by the Oracle Set Book Club. The Mission of the Foundation is to promote literacy skills through projects designed to encourage and reward student efforts in reading and writing. Those projects include: sponsoring student attendance at events that promote literacy; administering the Claudette Franklin Ford Essay Competition; and providing direct grants to community-based literacy projects.

    One such project is Reading is Fundamental, Inc. (DC RIF) which the Oracle Set Book Club & Foundation has sponsored since 1987. Since 1966, this program has distributed thousands of books to DC public school children. More than two-thirds of the children RIF serves have economic or learning needs that put them at risk of failing basic educational goals.

   Youth Organization United to Rise (YOUR) Community Center was the recipient of the Foundation's community-based literacy award for 2002. The past 5 years this NW Washington after-school literacy program has served neighborhood children and youth who have reading deficiencies. Using volunteers from local colleges, the program provides supervised homework, tutoring services, and enrichment activities, including creative writing, computer skills and field trips. The summer program directs resources to neighborhood teens that would otherwise lack access to enrichment programs.

    The foundation partners with the DC Public Schools, DC LEARNs (District of Columbia Literacy Education and Resource Network) and the Humanities Council of Washington, DC to implement its projects. An underlying premise for the Foundation's mission is the belief that "Information is Power" and literacy is the key to accessing that power.

The Claudette Franklin Ford Scholarship

    This scholarship for graduating seniors of DC Public Schools was established in memory of Claudette Franklin Ford, a founding member of the Book Club. Her dedication and support has been a significant factor in the Club's longevity. Claudette was also passionately dedicated to improving educational opportunities for DC youth. This scholarship is a tribute to her efforts on their behalf. The award is designed to support and encourage students who plan to major in communications and literature in college. Winners of the essay competion receive cash awards and publication of their first place essay in our luncheon program. The Book Club also provides the winner with a number of opportunities for ongoing contact so that we and our literacy connections can become resources as they pursue their educational goals.