Preface Press Release, April 27, 2021
Preface’s new partnership with Charlotte Country Day School isn’t just a groundbreaking launch for students and educators in North Carolina—it also holds the distinction of being Preface’s first ever multi-state partnership. Thanks to Preface’s innovative models and national network of educators, Charlotte Country Day School Ambassadors will be the first Corps ever to virtually serve young students all across America.
Natalie Hutchinson, Dean of the Upper School at Charlotte Country Day, is excited to watch her students continue to thrive with Preface. Every week, using Preface’s virtual infrastructure, Upper School students at Charlotte Country Day will have front-line opportunities to enhance their service-learning, gain valuable mentorship experience, and help educate the next generation of students—even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our students have been eager to find ways to help during the pandemic but have been disappointed as many of our community service opportunities were on hold due to COVID closures,” said Hutchinson. When I learned of Preface, I jumped at the chance to get our students involved. The pandemic has only widened the educational gap in our community and in others, and here was an opportunity for our students to make a real impact on the lives of young children.”
With virtual learning posing unique challenges for young students who may be used to in-person instruction, Preface and Charlotte Country Day’s partnership is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to broaden access to quality educational support for children who may need it most—not just in the surrounding community, but all over the nation.
“As I learned more, I discovered that Preface is one of the most meaningful service-learning opportunities to come my way in recent years, especially at this time when social distancing has limited so much of what we can do. Country Day students are so excited to participate, mentor, and teach literacy skills to students in need, and I know our students will get so much out of the experience as well. I’m beyond grateful to partner with an organization that is doing so much good,” said Hutchinson.
Preface and Charlotte Country Day share a mutual excitement for their new partnership.
“Our first-ever multi-state partnership alongside the incredible leaders at Charlotte Country Day is a fantastic milestone for all of us here at Preface—and for the students we serve,” said Preface’s Founder & Executive Director, Jonathan “JT” Wu. “None of this would be possible without the forward-thinking vision and passion for innovation embraced by the Country Day team, and we’re so excited for our amazing Country Day Ambassadors to continue changing the lives of their young students! Together, we can ensure that every child, no matter where they live or what language they speak, has access to the individual educational and reading support necessary to thrive.”
Preface’s new one-of-a-kind partnership with Charlotte Country Day School is a monumental step in supporting the educational needs of students across the nation. Preface is excited to launch their first ever multi-state partnership—a unique and important opportunity to expand and serve an abundance of young students virtually.
About Preface:
Founded in 2019, Preface is a public-private philanthropic initiative dedicated to fostering Equality Through Education and early childhood literacy—often with a multilingual twist! Partnering with educators and community leaders, Preface empowers local high schoolers to give back to their communities and bridge opportunity gaps by fostering literacy among young students of all backgrounds. A federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization, Preface is proudly headquartered in Gwinnett County, Georgia and serves communities across America. Learn more at www.PrefaceProject.org.