Books That Build Skills
Where Literacy Sparks Learning, Education Shapes Youth and STEM Builds Futures.
Empowering girls through literacy, hands-on learning, life-skill development, and career exploration. We ignite curiosity and confidence in youth by blending real-world education with the Charms Book Series—a story-driven universe that teaches leadership, communication, and critical thinking through adventure.
Our programs help girls strengthen reading skills, discover STEM pathways, and build the practical knowledge they need to thrive in school, in their communities, and in their future careers.
Get involved today! Athenian needs your support to build our future.
“I’ve read every ‘teach your teen time management’ book out there, and none worked like Tick Tock, Take Charge! Attie made time management feel empowering instead of scary.”
Programs
Funding Needed for Project Charms at Tech Trek New Jersey: $9,500
Funding Needed: by May 15 for Tech Trek Camp (NJ)
For a third year, Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian (501c3) has been invited to lead a 3-day Project Charms Experience at AAUW Tech Trek Camp. This time we are going to New Jersey.
We’re ready to deliver hands-on programming for 50 rising 8th grade girls focused on:
- Time management
- Career exploration
- STEM-based life skills
What’s needed now: a $9,500 sponsor by May 15 (The MOU is signed. This program is ready to go.)
What the Sponsorship Supports
- 3 days of direct student engagement
- Workshops + Author Q&A + creative exercise
- Live-streamed interview with a STEM leader
- 100 books (Book 2 + Inventor Notebook)
The Ideal Partner is a company with a standout leader willing to join a livestream Q&A offering visibility while investing in the next generation of girls in STEM.
Fund a Library Book Kit — Real Impact, Real Reach: $1,000
Put books on the shelf and real-world skills in students’ hands.
A $1,000 Library Book Kit equips a local library with the full Charms Book Series and hands-on resources that build leadership, STEM thinking, and life skills. These kits don’t sit—they circulate for years, reaching hundreds of students ages 10–15.
Why It Matters
Libraries offer FREE public access to everyone—families, teachers, homeschool groups, churches, 4-H, Girl Scouts, and community clubs.
Your donation:
- Places 50 books + skill-building materials into active circulation
- Expands access to literacy, life skills, and career exploration
- Creates long-term community impact
Make It Happen
Use your company’s matching gifts or giving programs to fund a kit for your local library—or a waitlisted one.
Give a Library Kit. Reach hundreds. Build something that lasts.
Donate a Student Kit — Equip Her to Shine: $300
Give one girl the tools to build confidence, life skills, and real-world readiness. A $300 Charms Student Kit delivers a full year of growth through story, challenge, and discovery.
What She Receives
- All 7 Charms books
- Inventor Notebook
- 1-year Secret Book Society membership
- Charms T-shirt
Why It Matters
At a critical age, girls start questioning what they’re capable of.
This kit builds:
- Confidence and decision-making
- Time management and communication
- STEM thinking and problem-solving
You’re not just giving a kit, you’re giving belief. Make It Count... One kit. One girl. A lasting ripple. Fund a Student Kit. Fuel her future.
$25 a Month. One Book. One Girl. Real Impact.
Only 1 in 3 eighth graders reads at grade level. The fix is simple: get real books into kids’ hands.
A $25 gift puts a Charms Book into the hands of a girl who needs it—sparking confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills.
Why It Matters
At a pivotal age, girls decide what they’re capable of. This book helps her see herself as a problem-solver, inventor, and leader.
It builds:
- Confidence and independence
- Critical thinking
- Life skills through story
One book can change everything.
Volunteering + Events
Join Our Social Squad
Support a literacy nonprofit that builds real-world skills through story and adventure.
As a virtual volunteer, your engagement—likes, shares, and comments—helps expand the reach of Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian, introducing more families to the proprietary book series that strengthens literacy, life skills, and career awareness.
Every interaction matters. Strong community engagement not only grows our audience—it directly supports grant funding and partnership opportunities by demonstrating real impact and public support.
If you believe in helping girls build confidence, skills, and real-world readiness, this is a simple and powerful way to contribute.
Be a Guest on the Books That Build Skills YouTube Show
Help students (ages 10–15) connect school to real careers. We’re seeking engaging professionals for a 30-minute virtual interview to share what you do and how you got there.
The careers and topics covered on the show are written into the Charms Book Series, our proprietary program from BooksThatBuildSkills.org
Topics/Speakers Needed: Archaeologist, Architect, Botanist, Business, Communication, Construction, EMT, Entomologist, Event Manager, Fashion, FBI, Firefighter, Gardner, Engineering, Inventor, Marketing, PR, Project Manager, Schutzhund Training, Small Engine Repair, Time Management, Travel, Venture Capital, YouTube influencer
We provide questions in advance—just bring your story. Inspire the next generation. Join us.