Teen Author and Literacy Advocate

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Advocate. Author. Civic Innovator. Changemaker.

Creating a Legacy that Inspires Generations

Meet Lizzie Shacklett—Founder and CEO of Literacy Is Lit, 13 Under-30 honoree, United States Senate Youth Program Delegate, and a global achiever on a mission to make an impact.

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Meet Lizzie Shacklett

Lizzie is the Founder and CEO of Literacy Is Lit, a nonprofit through which she has distributed over 36,000 books worth $180,000 to underserved children and Title 1 schools across the Mid-Atlantic region. She is the author of a children’s book, I Read Before Bed, which she has shared in schools, libraries, and community centers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of her “Learning With Lizzie” program which aims to inspire a love of reading and learning in the next generations. Through Literacy Is Lit, Lizzie strives to increase literacy rates, fill educational gaps, and work towards a future where all children are empowered with the skills and the confidence they need to succeed. Having served as Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen in 2023, Lizzie traveled across the state and participated in over a hundred service engagements to further her cause. At her high school, Lizzie is the Vice President of Service Council, a Deputy Editor of the school newspaper, a Student Ambassador Leadership Team Head Tour Guide, the Vice President of the Model UN Club, an appointee to Honor Council, and a member of the a cappella group, the Bel Cantos. This past summer, Lizzie interned for State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti as a Communications Intern and also taught a public speaking workshop to middle and high school students at a summer camp in Changsha, China. Having attended elementary school in Singapore, Lizzie wants to pursue Political Science and Chinese. Her passion is serving others, and she plans on making it her lifelong purpose through a career in policy, diplomacy, or law.

Xoxo Lizzie

My Areas of Impact

Catalyzing Change Through Leadership, Literacy, and Language

From leading Literacy Is Lit and advocating for educational equity

to engaging in civic leadership and cultivating connections through language,

Lizzie is committed to creating meaningful change.

Literacy Is Lit

Founder & CEO

I am passionate about educational opportunities, and I am an advocate for literacy. Recognizing extremely low literacy rates despite the importance of basic literacy skills, understanding inequities and disparities within our school systems, and fueled by my personal love for reading, I founded the nonprofit Literacy Is Lit. I collect preloved and new books through book drives, which I donate to underserved children and Title 1 schools in need. To date, I have distributed over 35,000 books throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. I also run an Ambassador program where I mentor 5 students in 5 different school districts to support them in running their own book drives. Furthermore, I have authored a children’s book, “I Read Before Bed,” which I have shared in schools, libraries, and community centers as a supplement to my “Learning With Lizzie” presentation. This programming, including both my book and interactive presentation, serves to emphasize the importance of literacy skills, encourage students to read, and inspire in them a love of learning. In addition, I have worked with organizations like BookSmiles and The Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians to further this cause. Through “Literacy Is Lit,” I strive to ensure everyone has the literacy skills they need to succeed.

BookSmiles

Lead Ambassador

Collaborating with BookSmiles, I host book drives to collect preloved books in the city and suburbs of Philadelphia, sort books at BookSmiles’ warehouse, organize and host Ambassador meetings at their headquarters to increase community engagement, and assist with their annual 5K run. I have also helped establish and maintain partners for BookSmiles, including the bookstore Main Point Books and the local Kiwanis Club.

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Children's Book Author

I Read Before Bed

When six students read before bed, they learn valuable lessons that they can apply to their daily lives. From performing acts of kindness and building self-confidence to recycling and making healthy choices, the story of I Read Before Bed demonstrates that each book you read equips you for success.

Civic Engagement

Communications Intern for Pennsylvania
State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Communications Intern in State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti’s office. Converging communications and public service, I assisted the Senator’s staff by writing press releases, crafting speeches for the Senate floor, creating social media content, completing media advisories, and compiling resources for constituents. This internship immersed me in the world of public service, allowing me to explore the inner workings of our state legislature, learn about Pennsylvania’s policies, and be inspired by so many motivated leaders determined to drive positive change for the Commonwealth. I am grateful to have played a small part in serving our state, and I look forward to applying everything I learned to my future endeavors in public service.

Chinese

Public Speaking Workshop Teacher at Changsha WES Academy

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to teach public speaking to middle and high school students at a summer camp in Changsha, China!

I led daily workshops, facilitated engaging activities to improve the students’ speaking skills and confidence, and helped prepare them for their camp-end speech competition. Witnessing their growth was invaluable.

The students and I practiced our language skills with each other, supported one another’s progress, and created cross-cultural connections; our time together was truly transformative.

这次经验改变了我的人生。因为除了练习说中文以外，我也跟中国学生建立很多牢固的友谊。我们打破文化的隔阂，互相学习。

Looking back, I reflect on my own growth-not only in terms of my language skills but also my worldview.

I will forever cherish the conversations, the memories, and the friendships from my time in Changsha, and I am immensely grateful for this life-changing experience.

Miss Pennsylvania's Teen

As Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen (2023 - 2024), I served as a representative of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation and traveled across the Commonwealth to give back to people through my initiative, Literacy Is Lit. I visited mulitple counties and completed over 100 appearances and service engagements, promoting the importance of reading in schools, in libraries, at community events, and even at the State Capitol. In addition, I worked with the American Heart Association, the Eagles Autism Foundation, the Philadelphia Flyers Recess Program, Cops N’ Kids Reading Rooms, Barnes & Noble Easton, the Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital, State Representative Curry, State Representative Borowski, and many more to further other valuable causes and make impactful change in the lives of Pennsylvanians.

School Leadership

Student Leadership Ambassador Team &
Head Tour Guide

Vice President - Service Council

Deputy Editor - The Wick, School Newspaper

Vice President - Model United Nations Club

Appointee - Honor Council

Extracurriculars

Bel Cantos, A Cappella Group

Dance Motion Performance Team

Writing Center Tutor

Follow on Instagram @lizzieshacklett.literacyislit

I am honored to have been selected as a Pennsylvania delegate for the 63rd United States Senate Youth Program! 🇺🇸🏛️💫

In March, I will travel to D.C. for Washington Week to meet with and hear major policy addresses by U.S. senators, cabinet members, department officials, agency directors, a Supreme Court justice, and the president.

This unique educational experience will provide insight into the inner workings of our federal government; I could not be more excited for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with our country’s leaders and grow as a civic leader myself.

Sponsored by the Hearst Foundations, I will also be awarded a $10,000 scholarship for my undergraduate studies.

Alongside my co-delegate, Anjali Verma, I am proud to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the Capitol. I can’t wait to meet the rest of our incredible delegate class from across the country, and I am looking forward to furthering my passion for public service. ☺️

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my journey, and thank you to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Hearst Foundations, and the USSYP!

See you soon, D.C. 😆

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to teach public speaking to middle and high school students at a summer camp in Changsha, China! 🎤💫

I led daily workshops, facilitated engaging activities to improve the students’ speaking skills and confidence, and helped prepare them for their camp-end speech competition. Witnessing their growth was invaluable ☺️

The students and I practiced our language skills with each other, supported one another’s progress, and created cross—cultural connections; our time together was truly transformative. I am beyond grateful for this life-changing experience 🥰

这次经验改变了我的人生。因为除了练习说中文以外，我也跟中国学生建立很多牢固的友谊。我们打破文化的隔阂，互相学习。

Looking back, I reflect on my own growth-not only in terms of my language skills but also my worldview.

I will forever cherish the conversations, the memories, and the friendships from my time in Changsha; thank you to Steve for inviting me to be a workshop teacher, to Alina, to all my amazing TA friends, and to everyone who made the week at camp so special 🤗

我爱你，长沙! ❤️

To kick off the new year, I hosted a Literacy Is Lit Ambassadors Leadership Training, where we discussed our plans for 2025, coordinated our upcoming book drives, and developed innovative ideas to expand our efforts in the year ahead. 💫

We also enjoyed time at the BookSmiles Book Bank, sorting almost 5,000 books that will soon be distributed to underserved children living in book deserts. 📚

The Ambassadors have made incredible impacts within their communities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to mentor and support them as they continue to drive positive change. Together, we are working towards a future where every child has access to literature and the literacy skills they need to succeed. 🥰

Special congratulations to Lyla for collecting over 500 hundred books during her most recent drive! 🙌

Thank you to BookSmiles for hosting us for the day :)

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Communications Intern in State Senator Cappelletti’s office. 💫🏛️

Converging communications and public service, I assisted the Senator’s staff by writing press releases, crafting speeches for the Senate floor, creating social media content, completing media advisories, and compiling resources for constituents. 📝

This internship immersed me in the world of public service, allowing me to explore the inner workings of our state legislature, learn about Pennsylvania’s policies, and be inspired by so many motivated leaders determined to drive positive change for the Commonwealth. 🫶

Thank you to Senator Cappelletti, Sara Kelly, and the entirety of the Senator’s staff for this experience — I am grateful to have played a small part in serving our state, and I look forward to applying everything I learned to my future endeavors in public service. ☺️

What a night at our “BookSmiles Party” hosted by Main Point Books! 📚🥳

BookSmiles founder Larry and I had the opportunity to share the mission and the vision behind our efforts. I spoke on how Literacy Is Lit empowers students to reach their full potential through access to literature and literacy skills, advocated for the importance of BookSmiles’ work in “irrigating book deserts,” and, in connecting with community members, both young and old, encouraged them to get involved. 📖💫

We were also able to collect 500 books, soon to be distributed to Title 1 schools in need across the Mid-Atlantic region! 🎉🤩 Thank you so much to our attendees!

Literacy skills allow people to navigate their everyday lives, achieve academic and professional success, and experience personal fulfillment, but literacy rates are staggering. It is critical that we, one book at a time, work towards educational equity and towards a future where all children have access to the resources they need to succeed. #LiteracyIsLit 🔥

Thank you so much to Cathy from Main Point Books for your incredible support and for hosting this event! 🫶

I had the best time at the St. Andrew’s Model United Nations Conference, where I was honored to receive the Best Delegate award for the Legal Committee 👩‍⚖️💫

From forming blocs, collaborating with peers, and writing resolutions to quoting Hobbes’ “Leviathan” in a speech, I am grateful for everything this conference taught me! Thank you to SAS for a great experience ☺️

You’re invited to a BookSmiles Party 📚🥳

Join us at Main Point Books in Wayne on Tuesday 11/29 to connect with local literacy leaders, including the founder of BookSmiles, and to learn more about the organization that has distributed almost 2.5 million books! 📖

Discover how you can support BookSmiles and help everyone access the books and the literacy skills they need to succeed. 🫶

We look forward to seeing you there; please find the registration link in my bio! 🔗

In the words of Larry, “To Literacy!” ☺️

I loved helping run the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians’ table at the Mt. Airy Village Fair! 📚

We connected with community members to advocate for PARSL’s mission and share the importance of ensuring every school in the Philly district has a functioning library and certified librarian-led program.

Libraries and their resources provide students with empowerment and set them up for increased academic and professional achievement. Through conversations and crafts, it was so great to spread this valuable message and encourage people to support PARSL’s actions toward educational equity. ☺️

Please visit @RestorePhillyLibrarians to learn more! 🫶

In August, I loved volunteering at the BookSmiles 5K for Literacy along with my Literacy Is Lit Ambassadors, Kristen and Brynne! 🏃‍♀️☺️

It was an amazing opportunity to raise funds for BookSmiles, connect with the NJ & PA community, and advocate for the importance of access to books. I had the opportunity to speak to all the attendees about my work with my nonprofit and to encourage youth engagement in the fight for literacy. 📚

I am grateful to collaborate my initiative’s efforts with an organization fueled by a mission as valuable as BookSmiles’; today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders, and it is critical that we ensure everyone has the skills to read and the ability to succeed. 💗

If you are interested in donating books, collecting books, or supporting Literacy Is Lit, please reach out!

Congratulations again to the winners of the 5K! 🎉

I am honored to have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award gold medal for my dedication to and the work I’ve completed through Literacy Is Lit! 🏅

I visited libraries and schools across the state to advocate for literacy and inspire a love of reading in the youngest generations, and I collected and distributed over 25,000 books to children and Title 1 schools so that everyone can have access to the resources they need to succeed. 📚

I am beyond grateful for the ways in which I’ve been able to serve my community through Literacy Is Lit, and I am excited to continue helping today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders. 🥰

Thank you to Sharon Cordes for your support of my service endeavors! #LiteracyIsLit 🔥

Literacy Is Lit - empowering people through literacy, one book at a time 📚🔥💛

I am so excited, grateful, and honored to be crowned Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen 2023, winning $9,000 in scholarship! 👑 Thank you to everyone who has supported me and made this possible, especially my NEPA family. 🥰 Make sure to follow my year of service at @missamericasteenpa! 💖 Wilkes-Barre, I’m headed to Miss America’s Teen! 🤩

Miss PA’s Teen Prelims ✅ Such a fun night competing in the prelim competitions! I loved sharing my passion and personality onstage 🥰 Tonight we crown a new Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen! 👑

Did someone say PJs and pizza? 😴🍕 I had a blast at the Miss PA Belles PJ & Pizza Party after our first day of rehearsals! 🎉 I loved catching up with all the Belles, making a few TikToks along the way, and sporting my own PJs that feature my children’s book, “I Read Before Bed”! 🥰📚 I can’t wait to watch these amazing Belles perform at our show tomorrow, and I am so excited to compete in Miss PA’s Teen prelims! 👑

What a fun night out at the ball game! ⚾️ The Miss PA delegates attended a York Revolution game, and we even participated in a “Show Us Your Shoes” parade around the field! 👠 My sneakers feature my CSI, Literacy Is Lit, and I am so excited to advocate for resources for all and quality education in the state of PA during the upcoming competition. 📚

Thank you to @KitayLawOffices for your sponsorship tonight.

The teens had an amazing time at the Turkey Hill Experience! 🍦 We learned all about the ice cream company’s history, it’s manufacturing processes, and it’s many flavors. 🍫 We even made our own flavors and ice cream 😋 I had so much fun with my teen queens! 👑 A big thank you to our wonderful sponsor @JCPenney for providing this experience, and thank you for our beauty gift bags! 🎁

While in the final days before Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen, I would like to reflect on my year so far. 💭

I am so grateful for everything I have learned and gained from this wonderful organization. I am grateful to have new opportunities, use my voice for what I’m passionate about, and grow into the best version of myself. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. 💖

Here are some highlights from this year. ✨

I am so excited for Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen! 🤩

Dear Delegate Diary, 📝 Entry 7: Book Smiles 📚

Come with me to the Book Smiles headquarters where I drop off a donation of 200 books, volunteer with sorting, and discuss the meaning behind my Community Service Initiative. 📖🔥

Grateful to learn from the best … Happy Birthday Meredith! 💄🎉 Thank you for being an amazing role model and a great teacher. You are so fun to work with and always put a smile on my face. 😊 I appreciate all you have done for me! Have the best day! 💖

Practicing my Irish dancing and getting super excited to perform my talent at Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen! ☘️ I am so grateful for the the lessons I’ve learned, the memories I’ve made, and the friendships I’ve gained from competitive Irish dance. 🥰

SWIPE to see some Miss America titleholders who are also Irish dancers! 👑

⬇️

Betty Thompson, Miss Oklahoma 2011, Runner Up to Miss America

Bridget Oei, Miss Connecticut 2018

Maya Coyne, Miss California’s Teen 2021

Mia Fritsch-Anderson, Miss Illinois’ Teen 2022

Colleen McDermott, Miss Johnston County’s Teen 2023

Talent practice underway ☘️

So excited to share my Irish dance talent at the Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen competition in York, PA! 👑

How you can support:
🗳️ Vote for Delegate #13 for People’s Choice @ MissPA.Org
🎟️ Purchase in person or virtual tickets for the competition @ AppellCenter.Org

I am so excited for next week! 😊

Memorial Day 🇺🇸❤️

Today we remember and honor all who have served. Thank you.

Dear Delegate Diary, 📝 Entry 6: Mandarin/Singapore 🇸🇬

I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn new languages, exlplore different cultures, and become a global citizen 🥰🌎

#FactFriday 💗📚

Low literacy limits employment opportunities, leading to increased poverty. Low literate individuals have a difficult time finding work because they are unqualified for many jobs that require reading skills (Ballard Brief).

Literacy is such an important skill needed for success in life, and many societal issues such as unemployment and poverty can be traced back to a lack of literacy.

This is why I provide underserved communities with access to the resources they need to succeed through my book drives. I have collected and distributed over 7,000 books to preschools, centers, book banks, and shelters across the state.

I also advocate on the importance of literacy skills and quality education through my social media, children’s book, and appearances, and overall encourage members of my community to get involved through their own donations and advocacy.

If we work to raise literacy rates and increase funding for education, we can end the cycle of poverty, enhance opportunities across our country, and build a better future.

#LiteracyIsLit 🔥📚💗

Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen is less than a month away and I could not be more excited! 👑 People’s Choice Voting is now live and I would greatly appreciate your vote at the link in my bio! 🗳️💗

Missing all my sister queens but can’t wait to be back in York in June for Miss PA’s Teen! 👑💗🥰

I am so excited to be Delegate #13 for Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen, June 15th and 16th! 👑💗 Be sure for follow my journey to York, PA through my Delegate Diary video series. 📝🥰

Dear Delegate Diary, Entry 5 📝 RailRiders Appearance ⚾️

I had an amazing day cheering on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, promoting the NEPA Scholarship Competition and Miss America, and connecting with the community! 👑⚾️

Thank you so much to the businesses, friends, and family who supported my journey to Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen through my Ad Sales! 👑 I am so excited to share that I raised $5,025 for scholarships for the young women of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation! 🥰💕 Thank you for supporting the MPSF and Miss America! 🤩

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LIZZIE SHACKLETT

Advocate. Author. Civic Innovator. Changemaker.

Creating a Legacy that Inspires Generations

Meet Lizzie Shacklett—Founder and CEO of Literacy Is Lit, 13 Under-30 honoree, United States Senate Youth Program Delegate, and a global achiever on a mission to make an impact.

Meet Lizzie Shacklett

My Areas of Impact

Catalyzing Change Through Leadership, Literacy, and Language

Literacy Is Lit

Founder & CEO