SkillsUSA Chapter Secures Grant for Reading Lofts Project

Ashley Furniture Corporation Partners with TCTC to Foster Literacy at Ripley Elementary School

By Kevin Williams

The Tippah Career and Technology Center (TCTC) is on a mission to make a difference in the local community, and they are doing it one reading loft at a time. With a generous grant from the Ashley Furniture Corporation, secured through TCTC’s dedicated SkillsUSA chapter, the center’s carpentry program, led by Matt Graves, is embarking on an inspiring project to build at least a dozen reading lofts for Ripley Elementary School (RES).

The initiative, aimed at promoting literacy and a love for reading among young students, has already gained momentum and community support. It’s a testament to TCTC’s commitment to both vocational education and community enrichment.

Fostering Literacy through Innovation

Reading lofts are innovative pieces of furniture designed to create inviting and comfortable spaces where children can read. Combining functionality and creativity, these lofts transform reading into an enjoyable adventure for young learners.

These lofts were originally the idea of RES principal, Leigh Anne Sanderson. Sanderson desired to have these for the benefit of those students who may need solitude or a creative environment to flourish. TCTC’s collaboration with RES to bring reading lofts into their classrooms reflects a shared commitment to nurturing young minds. TCTC administrators hope TCTC can expand offering these lofts to other elementary schools in the South Tippah School District.

Ashley Furniture Corporation’s Generous Grant

The driving force behind this project is the substantial grant from the Ashley Furniture Corporation, a well-known leader in the home furnishings industry. The grant, facilitated through TCTC’s SkillsUSA chapter, demonstrates the positive impact of public-private partnerships on the local community.

The grant serves as a testament to Ashley Furniture Corporation’s dedication to educational initiatives and community development. In addition to the project, funds from Ashley grants allow students at the TCTC to compete in regional and state competitions.

Carpentry Program Leads the Way

Under the expert guidance of Graves, the carpentry program at TCTC has been the driving force behind the construction of these innovative reading lofts. Graves and his students have enthusiastically taken on the challenge of bringing these creative designs to life.

The project not only provides students with practical carpentry expe - rience but also instills in them a sense of pride in contributing to the community’s educational growth.

Building Community Bridges

TCTC’s reading lofts project exemplifies how vocational education institutions can become integral parts of their communities. Through partnerships with local schools and businesses, students are gaining hands-on experience while also giving back to the community.

The project has garnered support from local educators, parents and community leaders who recognize the importance of fostering a love for reading among young students. It’s a collective effort to nurture a new generation of avid readers and lifelong learners.

Looking to the Future

As TCTC’s carpentry program works diligently to construct these reading lofts, the community eagerly anticipates their installation at Ripley Elementary School. The project is not only about furniture but also about building bridges between the center, the school and the community, all in the name of education and literacy.

With the invaluable support of the Ashley Furniture Corporation and the dedication of Graves and his students, TCTC is making a profound impact on RES and the lives of the young readers who will benefit from these reading lofts for years to come.

This heartwarming collaboration between education and industry proves that by working together, we can create brighter futures, one reading loft at a time.