United Way opens Soul Cafes at Provine and Callaway High Schools
November 13, 2024

Reading is a cornerstone of education, serving as the gateway through which students unlock new knowledge and skills. Strong literacy skills are essential for academic success, personal growth, civic engagement, and professional development. However, many students in Mississippi need help reaching reading and English language arts proficiency. In fact, about 55% of students in Mississippi perform below the proficient level on English assessments, highlighting the urgent need to foster a stronger literacy culture.

This is where the United Way of the Capital Area (UWCA) steps in, recognizing the vital role that education plays in shaping communities. Education is a pillar of United Way's mission because it is foundational to lifting individuals and families out of poverty. One of United Way's signature initiatives, the Soul Café program, aims to make reading an enjoyable and engaging experience for students. Jackson State University TRIO Program at the Mississippi e-Center was the first location to launch a Soul Café. McWillie Elementary School followed them. This fall semester, UWCA opened two new Soul Cafés at Provine High School and Callaway High School, which provide students with a comfortable, inviting space to read.

The Soul Café is designed to mimic the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee house, where students can choose a book, sip on coffee, hot chocolate, or juice, and immerse themselves in a quiet, cozy environment. The key to this initiative is that reading becomes an enjoyable and social experience. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts through verbal discussions, written reflections, or artistic expression, which enhances their connection to the material and to one another.

Students at Provine High School listen to a presenter discuss the new Soul Cafe.

When United Way opens a Soul Café, it’s thoughtfully designed to create an inviting and peaceful learning environment. Each café comes fully stocked with a Keurig, bean bag chairs, and a cozy rug to help set the tone for comfort and relaxation. We also provide a curated selection of engaging books, including high-interest titles, comic books, cookbooks, and books for readers at varying grade levels—above, on, and below grade level. To foster meaningful discussions, we supply 3-4 copies of each book and role sheets to guide and facilitate conversations in literature circles.

Making reading fun is a priority because it helps to develop a lifelong love of learning. When students enjoy what they are doing, they are more likely to engage with books, improve their literacy skills, and be motivated to continue reading. By creating spaces like the Soul Café, United Way is improving students' reading proficiency and promoting a sense of community and creativity. The positive effects of making reading enjoyable extend far beyond the classroom, helping foster a generation of confident, curious, and prepared readers for future success.