As part of the Youth Programs, the Elks sponsors a Dictionary Project. The Dictionary Project was founded in 1995 by Mary French of Charleston, SC. The mission of this project is to distribute dictionaries to third grade students nationwide. It has been determined that third-graders are transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. All education from that point on will require the student to be able to read and retain the information adhered. Also, many schools teach dictionary skills in the third grade for the first time. This is a great program and it is always a pleasure to share the Elks programs with our Community!