Create a literacy tutoring center at PS 243 in BedStuy.Students of P.S. 243 -- Care of Change for Kids

Situated between three public housing projects, P.S. 243 draws students from Bedford-Stuyvesant, an under-served Brooklyn neighborhood. Despite budget cuts that have forced the school to slash funding, P.S. 243 has seen enormous gains in literacy and standardized math tests due to programs like Change for Kids.

Change For Kids has partnered with the school to build a modern literacy tutoring center to build upon P.S. 243’s success. We recruit dedicated tutors to help underperforming students in grades K-2 improve their literacy scores and their self-confidence.

The Pepsi Refresh funding would enable P.S. 243 and CFK to purchase 10 new, internet-ready computers so the kids can explore the world beyond Bed-Stuy and learn to function in both vocational and cultural areas of the community. The money would also help us provide new children’s books to round out the library -- so crucial for the engagement young readers.