When You Are Green You Grow (WYGYG) and Leaders Are Readers Program (LARP)
NLD ID #131260
Contact Information
Nashville, TN 37202
Hours of Operation
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Program Overview
Education Equal Opportunity Group (EEOG) offers fun and hands-on programs for high school students in grades 9–12.
The Leaders Are Readers Program (LARP) helps students improve reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students read every day, learn new words, write short reflections, and join small group talks. Community leaders visit each week to encourage students and show how strong reading skills help in school and future jobs.
The When You're Green, You Grow (WYGYG) program teaches students how to care for plants at school and at home. Students learn about plant science, the environment, and responsibility. They keep journals, track plant growth, and work together to care for shared plants.
Programs are held at partner schools and community locations. Supplies and support are provided. Families and volunteers are welcome. For more information or to join, contact EEOG.
Cost Info
All programming is designed to be accessible and affordable for students and families. Participants complete a community service component through EEOG’s canned food service project. A nominal $50 registration fee supports student materials and program coordination; however, this fee is waived or subsidized as needed to ensure no student is excluded due to financial hardship. The full program cost is approximately $1,000 per cohort, which is primarily underwritten by EEOG through corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual donors, including current and future support from large corporate partners (50–500 companies). Sponsorship funding allows EEOG to deliver high-quality programming while keeping participant costs minimal and equitable.Student and Volunteer Success Stories
“Before joining the Leaders Are Readers Program (LARP), I didn't like reading out loud because I was afraid of messing up," shared Marcus, a 10th grade student. “The daily reading and group talks helped me get more confident. By the end of the program, I was raising my hand in class and even helping other students understand the story. I feel proud of myself now."
Marcus also participated in EEOG's When You're Green, You Grow (WYGYG) program. Caring for his plant at school and at home taught him patience and responsibility. “Watching my plant grow showed me that if I keep showing up and doing the work, I'll see results. That helped me in my schoolwork too."
In addition to academic reading, EEOG uses self-help and personal development books to inspire students, build positive mindset, and help them begin to visualize their goals and future possibilities. Students learn about perseverance, leadership, confidence, and setting personal goals — reinforcing both literacy and life skills.
A volunteer mentor shared, “Seeing students grow in confidence, responsibility, and vision for their future in just a few weeks is powerful. These programs don't just build skills — they change how students see themselves and what they believe they can achieve."
Education services
- Find a family literacy program
- Help my child learn
- Volunteer at a program
Instruction Type
- In-person
- Online
- Instruction in multiple languages