ProgramsNYU Wagner Capstone: Social Impact, Innovation & Investment (Fall 26'-Spring 27')ProjectsLaunching the Nation's Largest Free Bookstore & Literacy Hub in Bal...

Project Title: Launching the Nation's Largest Free Bookstore & Literacy Hub in Baltimore

Our Kids Read Association

Details
Project Title Launching the Nation's Largest Free Bookstore & Literacy Hub in Baltimore
Project Topics Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cost Optimization Civil Engineering Corporate Social Responsibility Entrepreneurship Innovation Inventory Management Marketing Operations Political Organization, Policy Change, and Advocacy Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain Research, Analysis, Evaluation Sales & Business Development Training & Development Urban Planning
Skills & Expertise Advocacy Budgeting and Forecasting Civil Engineering Principles Community Engagement Data analysis Financial Modeling Impact Evaluation Inventory Management Marketing Strategy operations management Policy Analysis Project Management stakeholder mapping Supply Chain Optimization Urban Planning
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
 
70% - 80% of our nation's low-income 4th graders are functionally illiterate, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), widely known as "The Nation's Report Card."  Our organization instills the joy of reading and improves the literacy skills of K-3rd grade students through a remote, corporate employee-driven, one-on-one mentorship and reading program (Reading Buddies) AND an in-person literacy hub in Baltimore, MD, featuring the largest free bookstore for low-income families in the country.

We recently received a $625,000 pledge from a donor which will allow us to purchase a building to take the vision even further.  We're looking for help:
- expanding the current 2,000 square foot bookstore to an interim 5,000 square foot space
- determining how to take advantage of public and private funding sources to support the expansion to a 7,000 - 21,000 square foot building
- plan 1 $500K - $1M capital raise
- identify community partners, contractors, city officials who can support the implementation process
- develop a project plan
-  execute project plan to completion of project
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. Conduct a needs assessment and market analysis to define the scope and goals of the bookstore project.
  2. Develop a detailed budget and forecast for the project, identifying potential funding sources.
  3. Design a blueprint for the bookstore, considering urban planning and civil engineering requirements.
  4. Create an inventory management system that optimizes book donations and distribution.
  5. Develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach strategy to engage the community and potential donors.
  6. Plan and execute stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategies to gain support from local government and community leaders.
  7. Design training and development programs for volunteers and staff to ensure effective operations.
  8. Identify and implement cost optimization strategies to ensure the project's financial sustainability.
  9. Coordinate logistics and supply chain management to facilitate book acquisition and distribution.
  10. Develop metrics and evaluate the project's impact on community literacy rates and educational outcomes.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • Students gain practical experience in project planning and management.
  • Development of a viable and sustainable business model for the bookstore.
  • Successful engagement with stakeholders and community leaders.
  • Creation of a detailed marketing and outreach plan.
  • Implementation of an efficient inventory and logistics system.
  • Identification of potential funding sources and financial strategies.
  • Development of policy recommendations to support literacy initiatives.
  • Positive impact on community literacy rates and educational opportunities.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

 Sep 12 2026 Event

Program Managers

Name Organization
Tiffany Charbonier New York University (NYU)

Teams

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No Teams Available