HigherSelf Literacy Champions
Celebrating our brightest young readers, spellers, and thinkers
A Newark-rooted, nationally open contest that signs youth up for a Spelling Bee, Reading Competition, or Debate — supplementing local schools, standing against the literacy crisis, and connecting standout scholars with mentors, partners, and scholarship opportunities.
Why we built this
Literacy is a doorway. We are holding it open.
Too many bright young people lose ground when reading and language fall through the cracks. HigherSelf Literacy Champions is a friendly, public celebration of the skills that change lives — reading well, spelling with confidence, and speaking your mind. We work alongside local schools, not in place of them: a place for scholars to be seen, encouraged, and rewarded for showing up as their best and brightest.
Choose a track
Three ways to shine
Every scholar picks the contest that excites them most — or tells us they are still deciding, and we help them choose.
Spelling Bee
Master the words that trip everyone else up. Scholars compete round by round, building vocabulary, focus, and the quiet confidence of standing on a stage.
Reading Competition
For the readers who devour books. Scholars are recognized for comprehension, expression, and a genuine love of the written word.
Debate
Think on your feet and speak with conviction. Scholars learn to build an argument, listen closely, and make their case with respect and clarity.
For our champions
Prizes, scholarships, and real connections
Standout scholars earn prizes and scholarship opportunities, and — just as important — an introduction to the people and programs that can keep their momentum going: mentors, community partners, and resources across the HigherSelf Network. We celebrate the win, then we open the next door.
Sign up
Sign up a young scholar
It takes about two minutes. A parent or guardian completes the form below; a real person from HigherSelf follows up by email within one business day with next steps.