UTAP student Meresa García shares her passion for literacy and community work with Penn Libraries in “Penn Today”

Photo by Eric Sucar

Determined to make a difference, Penn GSE’s Meresa García joined the Penn Libraries Community Engagement (PLCE) team, whose mission is to ensure library and literacy access for public school students and their families. Here, the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program student became a familiar presence at Henry C. Lea Elementary School, where her soothing voice resonated with young children as she read to them.

García has since started multiple diverse and significant projects, including creating a handbook for using the school district’s library system, encouraging diversified reading through her “Read Aloud Guide,” and leading an online English learning program.

“There are so many students who need support, and if I can help, even though I’m just one person, then I will,” García says.

Read more about García’s work at Penn Today.