Carolina Literacy Project: Tracy Butler

Behind every impactful organization is a story rooted in purpose. For Tracy Butler, founder of Carolina Literacy Project, that story began in the classroom. As a teacher, she witnessed firsthand the significant learning loss that happened over summer for multilingual learners especially. To address this gap, she created a summer camp specifically designed for immigrant and refugee children. This summer camp offers a supportive space to strengthen English literacy skills and build confidence before returning to school.

Tracy’s vision is grounded in a simple but powerful belief that every child deserves access to a quality education in a safe and welcoming environment. Carolina Literacy Project not only supports academic growth but helps to create a more inclusive and compassionate community where children can thrive and families feel supported.

How did you come up with the concept of Carolina Literacy Project?

I came up with the idea of an English literacy summer camp for immigrant and refugee children after being an elementary and middle school teacher. I noticed the learning loss that occurred during the summer for native English speakers and how that loss was even more pronounced for multilingual learners. So, I wanted to create a place for students for whom English was not their first language to be able to come to maintain and continue to improve their English literacy skills during the summer. I wanted our summer camp to create a bridge from the end of the school year to the beginning of the next school year so that multilingual students could feel more confident in their abilities before the new school year began.  

What are your goals for the Carolina Literacy Project in the next 3–5 years?

Carolina Literacy Project’s summer camp

My goals continue to be the same each year. I want to work to improve the English literacy of immigrant and refugee children in the Upstate. I currently do not have the capability to expand our summer camps outside of Greenville, but that may someday be possible.

If resources were unlimited, what would you build next?

If resources were unlimited, I would provide more English literacy summer camps throughout South Carolina. I have been contacted by people throughout SC asking about our camp. It would be wonderful to be able to help more immigrant and refugee children in SC maintain and improve their English literacy during the summer.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a nonprofit organization?

I would suggest that they contact people who run other nonprofits and join organizations that help nonprofits such as Greater Good Greenville and Together SC. Also, I would encourage them to read books about nonprofit management and if possible, take a class. The more you know, the better you will be at managing your nonprofit.

How has this journey changed you personally?

Brothers reading together at camp

I think it has given me greater empathy for people immigrating to the US. It has also prompted me to become more involved in my community in order to help the families who we serve as well as other immigrants and refugees.     

What would you want someone considering supporting the Carolina Literacy Project to understand about the urgency of this work?

All children around the world deserve a quality education. Knowing the language that lessons are taught in makes all learning easier. We are doing a disservice to our future generations and our community when we don’t educate children to the best of our abilities. It’s also a gift to be able to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. A gift that I believe every child deserves.

How do you measure success beyond numbers?

I measure success not only by test scores but by the smiles that I see when the children are playing and learning together. We work hard to create a welcoming and safe environment. When I see a child who is super shy at the beginning of camp but is smiling, speaking in English, and playing by the end of camp; I believe that shows that our camp has been successful.

What is your favorite memory from Carolina Literacy Project’s summer camp?

When I see the children smiling and having fun, that is a favorite memory for me each summer. It makes me want to continue to have our summer camps. 

How do partner organizations, like Project Host, help you to fulfill your mission?

We couldn’t provide our summer camp without partners such as Project Host. They provide our lunches and one snack each day for the children who attend our camp. We are not a large nonprofit so our funds our limited and we need the help of other organizations and people to make our camp possible. We appreciate all of the help that we receive from our partner organizations and our volunteers.  

How can people get involved in aiding the immigrant and refugee population in our community?

I think that one of the most important things is to be welcoming to immigrants and refugees. Fear of the unknown can make immigrant and refugee people hesitate to ask for help. But when they feel welcome, that fear can diminish. So, volunteer your time and/or donate to local organizations and churches who are helping immigrant and refugee people. This will help to create the welcoming environment that the Upstate of SC is known for.

Learn more about Carolina Literacy Project!