Student-run non-profit · Chicago, IL

Learn.
Inspire.
Teach.

Lit Bridge closes educational gaps by connecting K–5 students in underserved Chicago communities with passionate high school volunteers — building literacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.

0
Grades served (K–5)
Free
Always free
0
% Student-run

Multicultural Curriculum

Texts that reflect every student's background and build a genuine love of reading.

Mentorship Model

High school volunteers who build empathy and purpose across Chicago communities.

Suburban–Urban Bridge

Connecting students across community lines to build understanding and opportunity.

What We Do

Closing the literacy gap,
one student at a time.

A student-run non-profit providing free tutoring to K–5 students in underserved Chicago communities, guiding them through reading skills while exposing them to diverse, multicultural texts.

01

Proactive Curriculum

We don't wait for students to fall behind. Our structured program gets ahead of learning gaps before they widen — not after.

02

Cultural & Community Pedagogy

Every text and lesson reflects the communities we serve. Students see themselves in what they read — that's the whole point.

03

Holistic Ecosystem Empowerment

We empower students, volunteers, families, and schools together — building a full ecosystem of support around every learner.

04

Suburban–Urban Partnership

Our model intentionally bridges Chicago communities, creating meaningful relationships that benefit everyone equally.

How It Works

Four steps. One mission.

From enrollment to a lifelong love of reading — here's how every student moves through the Lit Bridge experience.

Step 01
Identify & Enroll
Step 02
Connect Volunteers
Step 03
Mentor & Read
Step 04
Build Confidence

Identify & Enroll K–5 Learners

We identify K–5 students across Chicago who need literacy support and enroll them in accessible, creative reading opportunities designed to meet them exactly where they are.

Connect with Passionate Volunteers

Students are matched with high school volunteers in a mentorship model that fosters empathy and a shared sense of purpose — building bridges across Chicago's communities.

Engage in Mentoring & Creative Reading

Active mentoring, tutoring, and creative reading sessions guided by our proactive, culturally relevant core curriculum — designed to empower every student in every session.

Foster Confidence & a Love of Reading

The ultimate goal: confidence and a lifelong love for reading. Our success stories highlight students rediscovering the joy of books — and volunteers finding the experience deeply rewarding.

Ready to make a difference in Chicago?

Join Lit Bridge as a student, volunteer, or donor — one book, one student, one community at a time.

Volunteer Work

Join us in the fight against the literacy crisis.

Through our in-person program, we foster community and create a transformative experience that empowers young Chicago students to write their own futures.

Requirements

What we ask
of our volunteers.

If you have heart and a few hours a week, you have what it takes.

  • Must be in 9th grade or older
  • Attend a short training session
  • Commit to at least 1 hour per week
  • Be patient, responsible, and respectful
Why Volunteer

What you'll gain
from it.

Direct Impact on Youth Literacy

Make a measurable difference in a child's reading ability and confidence — from day one.

Leadership & Teaching Experience

Real mentoring and leadership skills that colleges and employers highly value.

Diverse, Supportive Community

Work alongside passionate peers from all across Chicago's communities and school districts.

Volunteer & Service Hours

Earn documented service hours that strengthen college applications and your résumé.

Access Our Curriculum

Our full multicultural literacy curriculum is available to all volunteers — proactive, culturally relevant, and designed to empower every student we work with.

Ready to inspire the next generation?

Join student volunteers making a real difference in Chicago classrooms across the city.

About Lit Bridge

Finding inspiration
in every turn.

A non-profit initiative designed to combat the literacy and numeracy crisis affecting underprivileged elementary school students across Chicago.

Our Mission

Built to go beyond reactive
tutoring — for good.

Founded by Jeremy Fuller, a rising 11th grader at Glenbrook South High School, Lit Bridge delivers a proactive, culturally relevant core curriculum built on a unique suburban-urban partnership model.

Chicago Public Schools Partnership

Working directly with CPS to reach the students who need literacy support the most.

Sustainable Learning Ecosystem

A self-sustaining ecosystem of learning and community support built around every student.

Vision to Scale Digitally

Expanding impact through a digital platform eventually reaching students across Illinois.

"Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to help people. Growing up, I had many services, and many teachers doubted my abilities as a student. Despite my early struggles, I was eventually able to gain support from many teachers, who got me to where I am today. I want to give that same support to students who are unable to receive the quality education that everybody deserves."

Jeremy Fuller — Founder and Executive Director, Lit Bridge

Meet the Team

Our executive team.

Dedicated high school students committed to making a real difference in Chicago communities.

Jeremy Fuller
Founder

Jeremy Fuller

Executive Director

Owen Herrington

Owen Herrington

Publicity Director

DY

Daniel Yoon

Event Coordinator

Want to be part

Want to be part of the story?

Volunteer your time, enroll a student, or support our mission with a donation.

Donate

Make a difference.
Change starts with you.

Your donation helps make a real impact, one action at a time. Together, we can do more for the children of Chicago who need it most.

Choose your contribution

Every dollar goes directly to supporting our students and expanding our program in Chicago communities.

Custom amount: $
Your Impact

What your gift
makes possible.

$50

Provides reading materials and curriculum supplies for one student for an entire semester.

$100

Funds a month of weekly tutoring sessions, connecting a student with a dedicated volunteer mentor.

$200

Helps launch a new partnership with a Chicago Public School, expanding our reach to more students.

$1,000

Sponsors an entire cohort for one semester — materials, volunteer training, and mentorship included.

Spread the word across Chicago.

Even if you can't donate today, sharing our mission helps reach more students and volunteers.