Education Grant WinnerAndrea Colwell

Reading provides so much for students at a young age. It helps to develop an imagination, grow their vocabulary, and strengthen their cognitive abilities … to name a few. With that in mind, it can be difficult when students do not have access to literature, specifically ones that challenge your skills as you get better.

Andrea Colwell, educator at Scobee Elementary, witnessed how her students lacked the books they needed in their early reading journey—especially for those that come from low-income families—and pursued the funds to help bridge the gap for the early reader section of the school library. Thanks to Power of the Dollar® members, she was awarded a $1,000 grant in December 2025 for her “Empowering Early Readers” project idea, which she then used the grant funds to purchase early reading books and early chapter books!

“I’m always looking into how I can support the students more,” said Colwell. “What I used this money for was the very early chapter books for kids in kinder, first, and even second graders need to help grow their reading. There wasn’t a whole lot of choices there. They want to read on their own, but also, we want them to be able to read the books. So, it was to support our early readers. If we get them going now, then we don’t have so much down the line in fourth and fifth grade where they don’t want to read or can’t read.”

Reading proficiency is a measure of academic success within Scobee Elementary. Due to an expanded library section, students are now able to spike their reading ability, fluency, and confidence in the subject. Most importantly, it’s helping the early readers to build a passion for reading. By incorporating more books to her library, Ms. Scobee has seen tremendous growth in her students, but also an eagerness to read in general.

“I do see a want-to-read in them,” she said. “I went to purchase a whole series of books, like ‘Pete the Cat.’ They turn one in and they’re already looking for the next one! Building the excitement within them, I do see a difference. I know the teachers [within the district] like having that extra support, too!”