Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Scelza
Hi Sophia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I traveled to the Bahamas in 2022, I noticed the surrounding areas by our hotel were very poverty-stricken. Specially, when walking through Nassau, my family and I came across a library that appeared to be run down. There was little organization and attention paid to the building. The realization that the people living in this area didn’t have access to educational resources made me feel the need to take action.
I began researching how a person my age could start a non profit organization, including how to choose an executive board and how to expand it internationally.
By August of 2023, I had established a BOD and social media accounts, allowing me to reach other youth led non profits.
With the help and support of other youth leaders, I was able to expand the Read and Give Project into an international organization that has currently 27 established branches in over 15 countries.
Furthermore, the Read and Give Project has donated currently over $60,000 worth of used books and school supplies with the help of over 4,000 volunteers.
Most of the individuals who volunteer with us are between the ages 13-17 because we offer the opportunity to earn volunteer hours to put towards academic awards they’re trying to reach. From making book marks to donating hundreds of books, the individuals who have volunteered with the Read and Give Project allowed it to expand to where it is today.
I am extremely excited to continue expanding on the Read and Give Project, working towards providing underserved communities with educational opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In short, my journey regarding the expansion of the Read and Give Project as not been entirely a smooth road.
When starting a non profit, there is an extensive amount of paper work along the with fees that need to be filled out, along with the approval of various individuals and state institutions.
Additionally, finding places to donate books to such as hospitals, schools, shelters, etc, was very complicated. Being a teenager, my age, along with the people on the BOD, acts as a limitation because we do not have a lot of life experience. However, as the Read and Give Project expanded to more regions of the world, we were asked to donate to various organizations, without the bias that due to our young age, R&G was not a legitimate organization.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In regards to working as an unpaid founder of a youth led non profit, I would consider myself to specialize in business management. As the president of R&G, I oversee all aspects of its operation (running chapters, creating fundraisers, shipping books, etc…)
Adjacent to this, I am very proud to have made an impact regarding places that can receive educational resources as a result of R&G’s aid and donations.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I have personally never visited San Diego, California, as I live in New York. However, the Read and Give Project has an established branch within the city.
Within the upcoming months, our San Diego chapter should be accumulating donations and donating them within California, making a positive impact regarding communities who have little access to educational resources and opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @readandgiveproject
- Facebook: @readandgiveproject
- TikTok: @readandgiveproject
