Our Mission
The Book Works advocates for equitable access to education and employment for young people who are or at-risk of becoming disconnected because of educational disruptions, childhood trauma, social or racial discrimination, or economic hardship.
We work toward our mission through:
1. Research that identifies and amplifies the reasons young people disconnect from school in our community;
2. Programs that assist young people to succeed in school and work;
3. Partnerships that create new opportunities for high school age learners.
History
In 2008, a committed group of advocates for youth gathered to focus on the growing and complex needs of Louisville’s young people who were disconnected from opportunities due to discrimination or disadvantage. They formed a nonprofit to create programs, partnerships, information and supports for our community’s vulnerable, yet extraordinary, youth and young adults. In 2009, the organization was incorporated as Emerging Workforce Inititive and certified as a nonprofit.
In 2021, the board of directors made a strategic decision to transition our primary organizational identify to The Book Works, a highly successful and innovative project first launched three years earlier. Our purpose and our passion remain the same. Our organizational name now better reflects our work.
Learn more about our commitment to accountability and transparency
