Programs

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Unlocking American Potential

Gordon Philanthropies believes in developing young minds as the catalyst for personal and national success. Through nationwide partnerships with educators, universities, and organizations, we promote practical programs to advance reading, writing, and counting — the key to unlocking talent, strengthening the workforce, and advancing the American dream.

Teachers & Books

Our Teachers and Books Program promotes reading in school and at home. The program provides eight free books during the school year to all students in our affiliate schools. We partner with teachers and parents to select the best titles and read with the children. We seek to improve literacy and expand home libraries as the students keep the books.

Children's Libraries

Parental incarceration impacts all family members, in particular children. We provide visiting room libraries across the County of Los Angeles and California correctional facilities. These libraries encourage parent-children interaction during periods of great stress and ultimately promote positive and responsible relationships.

Sent with Love

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, incarcerated parents record themselves reading a children’s book; the audio recording, book, and a handwritten note reach home for birthdays or holidays. Ongoing research tracks participant outcomes and child development.

Kids & Books

Kids & Books is a heartfelt literacy initiative designed to bring comfort, connection, and the magic of storytelling to children experiencing extended hospital stays. These books provide comfort and promote family engagement during treatment and serve as lasting additions to home libraries.

Pitzer College Inside-Outside Program

We provide funding support and assistance to the outstanding program run by Pitzer College to provide incarcerated individuals with post-secondary education courses and the opportunity to earn degrees. Students enrolled at Pitzer College take classes inside the correctional facilities alongside inmates. Impressive results have included college graduates, full-time employment, and a Fulbright Scholarship recipient.

Georgetown University Prisons and Justice Initiative

We provide funding and support to the prison education classes taught by Georgetown University faculty at correctional facilities as well as re-entry and employment programs for former inmates.

Latest News

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Gordon Philanthropies American Sign Language Reading Campaign, “Rock Out and Read Along,” Named as Finalist for 2025 Anthem Awards

The ASL reading campaign, created in collaboration with award-winning children’s author Barney Saltzberg, is nominated for its support in raising awareness of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the Education or Literacy Program or Platform category. Gordon Philanthropies announced today that it has been named a Finalist in the Education or Literacy Program or Platform under Awareness […]

Gordon Philanthropies Delivers the Magic of Storytelling to Hospitalized Children

Gordon Philanthropies introduces a new literacy program for hospitalized children.

Gordon Philanthropies and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Celebrate Father’s Day

Children receive Love packages from Dads In partnership with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Gordon Philanthropies hosted its annual Father’s Day Sent with Love event at the Men’s Central Jail and Twin Towers Correctional Facility. Sent with Love provides incarcerated fathers with a meaningful opportunity to connect with their children by reading a book aloud. […]