Shelly's Adventures National Literacy Initiative

Read. Sign. Connect.

Bringing literacy, American Sign Language, and Deaf awareness to more students—one school, one city, and one year at a time.

The Shelly's Adventures National Literacy Initiative is an annual, sponsor-funded campaign that brings interactive literacy and ASL experiences to elementary schools across the United States. We work with local businesses, corporate sponsors, community organizations, and school districts to help more students participate regardless of individual school budgets.

How the Initiative Works

  1. Choose a city or school community. Sponsors can support one school, a multi-school visit series, or a larger annual citywide initiative.
  2. Coordinate with schools. We work with participating school leaders on visit dates, student groups, and the most appropriate program format after funding is confirmed.
  3. Deliver interactive learning. Children's author and Shelly's Adventures founder Kentrell Martin leads engaging, age-appropriate storytelling experiences that introduce American Sign Language and Deaf awareness through movement and participation.
  4. Document the impact. Sponsors receive an impact report showing participating schools and confirmed student reach, along with agreed-upon recognition.

What Students Experience

Students participate in an energetic combination of storytelling, hands-on ASL lessons, literacy engagement, and discussion of inclusion and communication. Programs can be adapted to grade levels and school schedules.

Optional book access: Sponsors may also help provide take-home Shelly's Adventures books so students and families can continue reading and practicing signs together.

What Sponsors Receive

  • Measurable community impact: A report documenting the schools served and students reached.
  • School-level recognition: Sponsor recognition such as a banner for a participating school, where approved.
  • Recognition opportunities: Acknowledgment in agreed-upon campaign materials and potential media coverage or interviews where available and approved.
  • A repeatable community program: Opportunities to renew or expand the initiative annually.

Specific recognition, deliverables, and book quantities are agreed upon in each sponsorship proposal. Media coverage is not guaranteed.

Built on Real School Experience

Shelly's Adventures has reached more than 1,300 schools through interactive school visits across more than 20 U.S. states and internationally. Founded by author Kentrell Martin and inspired by his Deaf brother, the program is designed to help bridge the Deaf and hearing worlds through children's stories.

Partner With Us

We're seeking businesses, foundations, community organizations, and district partners who want to make literacy and accessible communication part of their community impact.

Request a Sponsorship Proposal

School district or community partner? Explore a Partnership.

Explore our school visit programs or shop Shelly's Adventures book bundles.