Changing the world… one story at a time!
For 26 years, helping young people find their voice through reading, writing and mentorship.
Teens Reaching Teens is an independent North Texas nonprofit putting books in children’s hands and giving young people the confidence, skills and caring adults they need to lead.
Our impact, by the numbers
10,000+
young people reached across all programs and partnerships
5,000+
teens at Keepin’ It Real! Youth Empowerment Summits, 2004–2016
21 years
of Teen Graffiti, a magazine written by and for teens
26 years
serving North Texas youth since October 2000
What we do
Programs that build readers, writers and leaders
Book Giveaways
Diverse, age-appropriate books delivered to students who need them most.
Writing Workshops
Young people tell their own stories and grow as confident writers.
Youth Advisory Councils
Teens lead, plan and speak up, with adult mentors beside them.
Scholarships
Support for students taking their next step in education.
Community in action
Books in hands, one classroom at a time
With SMU Cox School of Business
Frank Guzick Elementary, Dallas
Alongside SMU Cox MBA students, we donated dozens of diverse children’s books and shared stories that reflect the faces and experiences of the students we serve.
Through Dallas Mavericks Business Assist
Adelle Turner Elementary School, Dallas
Free books were hand-delivered to every student with a message of hope, representation and kindness.
Our story
Built by teens, for teens, since 2000
Teens Reaching Teens began with a simple belief: young people have stories worth telling. That belief has grown into more than a quarter century of literacy, creativity and mentorship across North Texas, from Teen Graffiti magazine to the Keepin’ It Real! Youth Empowerment Summits to today’s book giveaways.
Keepin’ It Real! Youth Empowerment Summits, 2004–2016
Our founder
Sharon Jones-Scaife
Founder & CEO
An author, illustrator and literacy advocate, Sharon founded Teens Reaching Teens in 2000 and has led it for more than 26 years.
Literacy partner
Lil’ Marco and Friends
Lil’ Marco and Friends provides diverse children’s books for TRT programs at cost. Both organizations were founded by Sharon Jones-Scaife and operate independently.
Get involved
However you show up, it makes a difference
Volunteer
Read with students, help at book days or mentor a young writer.
Partner with us
Schools, universities and community groups: bring a book day to your students.
Sponsor
Businesses can sponsor a classroom, a giveaway or a scholarship.
Help us put the next book in a child’s hands
Every $25 helps 3 children get a book of their own. Teens Reaching Teens, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 26-3347923); donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.