Comics Appreciation Project

Program Overview

The Comics Appreciation Project Inc (DBA “Comics Literacy Project") is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established to promote youth literacy and provide comfort to children in need. Our Founder and Director, Jason Kelley, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Language & Literacy Education at the University of Georgia (UGA), currently pursuing a PhD in Literacy Education with a focus on Children's Literature (K-12). Research has shown that visual storytelling (through comics and graphic novels) significantly enhances reading retention, comprehension, engagement, and self-perception (as readers) for young people. CAP aims to showcase the breadth, quality, and legitimacy of visual storytelling both to the public at-large and specifically to the next generation of would-be consumers and creators. Lastly, we know that great stories have the power to comfort, inspire, and process life's challenges. CAP is dedicated to helping kids find those stories and make their own. In order to pursue our mission, CAP donates thousands of award-winning graphic novels each year to comfort displaced children in medical crisis and foster care through our Share-Care Books program.

We also develop literacy engagement programs and facilitate youth creator classes at local libraries and Title I schools through our Comicbook Creator Classroom (CCC). CCC is a nine-week engaging English Language Arts (ELA) support program that inspires kids to read, draw, and create using their favorite characters and a progression of proven classroom activities that empower them to make their own adventures. Through our Scholastic Literacy Partnership (SLP), each child can earn their favorite books as incentives for completing their weekly activities and goals. We piloted the program in Spring 2024 for two struggling fourth grade classrooms. The school administration reported that the students we worked with averaged 98% more gains on their Reading MAP scores than the county average.

We are actively looking for Title I schools and grants to partner with in Georgia to bring the joy of reading to your child's classroom.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"Meeting Jason and learning about his amazing non-profit, Comics Appreciation Project, was so inspiring! I love his enthusiasm for this project. It hits on so many levels. Literacy, meeting marginalized kids in a genre that is exciting, entertaining, and comforting, building their confidence, and inspiring their love of reading. Comics Appreciation Project is a wonderful resource for those just learning and exploring the world of graphic novels, comics, and Manga. I look forward to Jason's continued work with this project." - Mindy Doler, Media Specialist

"Comics Appreciation Project does a fabulous job of reaching out and supporting middle grade aged kids who may be undergoing trauma. They have done great outreach programs in our area and are so helpful to a diverse group of kids, many of whom are ESOL, and in need of encouragement in literacy and LIFE." - Davina Swaim, Media Specialist

"The Comicbook Creator Classroom program was an incredible experience for both our students and teachers, and we greatly appreciate the granting organizations that made it possible. I can't say enough about the level of student appreciation and engagement. A program that is fun and increases student literacy, behavior, and engagement definitely needs to be duplicated. The entire school is very appreciative of the opportunities it gave our school community, and I hope Mr. Kelley and the Comicbook Creator Classroom is able to grow into many other schools." - Dr. Kristina Cummings, Assistant Principal of Instruction