East Linden Elementary One of Nine CCS Schools to Receive STEAM Books from Local Fraternity Chapter

class standing and smiling

February 25, 2025 — The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Nu Nu Chapter is thrilled to announce its latest initiative: to empower young minds through STEAM education! The Eta Nu Nu Chapter is helping enhance literacy and foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) among elementary students in Columbus City Schools.

adults holding books East Linden Elementary School was one of the schools that received STEAM books to support literacy initiatives during Black History Month.

“This donation is truly a gift that will have a lasting impact on our students and staff,” East Linden Elementary School Principal Cheryl Jones said. “Access to books is essential in fostering a love of reading and strengthening literacy skills, and these new additions to our school will provide our students with more opportunities to explore, learn, and grow.”

The donation included books from Room to Read’s STEAM-Powered Careers collection, a series about exciting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These books introduce students to a variety of groundbreaking fields—from polar science to gastroenterology, making them an incredible resource for sparking curiosity and expanding students’ understanding of career possibilities in these areas.

“I want to read the book about marine biology because I want to learn about different types of fish and look for fossils in the ocean,” fourth grade student Zayden Chapman said.

The Eta Nu Nu Chapter decided to start delivering books during Black History Month, reinforcing its commitment to educational equity and community uplift. These books, created in partnership with Room to Read and University of Southern California (USC) faculty and scientists, showcase diverse professionals in STEAM fields and help young readers see themselves in these careers. Each book includes lesson plans for teachers to integrate into their curriculum, providing a lasting impact in the classroom.

“We want to invest in the future for these youth, and we want to help develop them,” said Colonel Mathew B. Coleman, president of the Eta Nu Nu Chapter. “We want them to be very very successful in life, and we want them to be able to dream and imagine and see themselves outside of where we are and at the opportunities ahead of them.”

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Nu Nu Chapter applied for the books through a book request form that was hosted by USC's Joint Educational Project. They received 1,000 STEAM books and donated them to Columbus City Schools.

Chapman’s friend, fellow fourth grader Aaron McKinley, added that the books “can help us learn and grow and make our brains big,” which is important because “then we can pass 4th grade.”

Eight other CCS elementary schools received donations from the fraternity:

“On behalf of our students, staff, and families, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Eta Nu Nu Chapter,” said Jones. “These books are more than just pages and words. They are tools of empowerment, imagination, and knowledge that will inspire our young learners.”