Young Poet Laureate Champions Literacy Through Culturally Relevant Education Tools

Inspired by a passion for language and the potential of education, Elizabeth Schvarts, a member of the SDG 4 Youth & Student Network, co-founded Bridge to Literacy, an international student-led non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational support to underserved communities. Elizabeth, who expresses herself most powerfully through words, recognizes the transformative power of language and uses it to drive change.

Her journey began with an experience she describes as “a bee”—not the insect, but her participation in the National Spelling Bee, where her love for language deepened. Witnessing how economic barriers and location deprived many children of similar opportunities, Elizabeth was motivated to bring the gift of literacy to those in need.

For Elizabeth, true literacy extends beyond basic reading and writing skills or standardized test performance. She defines it as the highest level of mastery a student can achieve, not only academically but in life. With this vision, she has dedicated herself to Bridge to Literacy, an initiative that has already helped hundreds of students in underserved communities across Honduras, Gaza, Ukraine, Mexico, and Kenya.

Bridge to Literacy, fueled by passionate volunteers who share Elizabeth’s vision, operates across six continents. The organization collects educational resources, such as books and digital learning devices, and provides one-on-one virtual English lessons. Volunteers use culturally relevant content, including superheroes from movies and popular book series like Harry Potter, to make learning more engaging and accessible.

Elizabeth’s innovative approach stems from her belief that “words are the most tangible form of magic.” By enhancing access to quality literacy education, she ensures that every child, regardless of their background, can harness this magic. As a first-generation American and NYC Poet Laureate Ambassador, Elizabeth continues to use her platform to advocate for social equity through education and health.

Through Bridge to Literacy, Elizabeth has distributed over 2,000 books and 300 digital devices, bridging gaps in education and empowering students worldwide. Her mission is clear: to give every child the opportunity to fall in love with words and the endless possibilities they bring.