Washington, DC (Aug. 26, 2025)

Heart of America (HOA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming learning spaces for underserved students since 1997, has launched a multi-million-dollar, year-long initiative to transform 46 libraries across Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in Maryland that will shape the future of learning for generations to come. The partnership also includes constructing a brand new 47th library dedicated to training and professional development for the district’s librarians and educators.

In an era when many K–12 schools face critical funding shortfalls, this public-private partnership is bridging the resource gap with modern, innovative spaces designed to prepare students for 21st-century careers.

PGCPS, the second-largest public school system in Maryland and the 18th largest in the nation, serves more than 132,854 students in 200 schools and centers. Its student body is one of the most diverse in the country. More than 26,000 students and educators will benefit from the custom-designed libraries, tailored to the unique needs of each school and community.

“It’s incredibly rare to have the opportunity to contribute to such a transformative change within a school district. With the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ library initiative, we’re making a system-level investment that will shape student experiences for generations to come, said Jill Hardy Heath, HOA President and CEO. “This effort is about more than remodeling spaces — it’s about reimagining the role of libraries as vibrant, inclusive hubs of learning. We’re creating dynamic environments that foster curiosity, support every student’s growth, and unlock their full potential.”

The library transformations, each taking 12–14 weeks, will be completed in three phases, with the final phase wrapping up in early 2026. Each school will select from innovative library models, such as:

  • Collective Learning & Literacy Hubs
  • STEAM Innovation Labs
  • STEM Exploration Centers

HOA will be providing more than 72,000 culturally relevant books that represent the diversity of the student population to complete each transformation space. HOA’s nature-inspired design aesthetic will incorporate natural, fresh materials and lighting to create a relaxing environment for students, while a variety of high-tech educational resources will also be featured to inspire learning, including:

  • High-tech tools: smart TVs, projectors, computer stations, 3D printers, robotics kits, Arduino and Raspberry Pi tools, LEGO MINDSTORMS, VEX Robotics, and Sphero robots.
  • Media production gear: Green Screens, video equipment, and editing tools.
  • Hands-on learning tools: makerspaces with engineering instruments, digital calipers, and construction kits.

“We’re thankful for our partnership with Heart of America, whose support will help transform more than 46 school libraries across our district,” said Dr. Shawn Joseph, Interim Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools. “Early in my career, I met a student who struggled to read, and that moment ignited my lifelong mission to ensure every child has the tools to succeed. These new library spaces are more than buildings — they are gateways to literacy, a love of reading, and brighter futures for our students.”

This initiative is one of the most significant public-private partnerships in the country dedicated exclusively to reimagining libraries. Pull Up Fund is the proud supporter and funding partner for the PGCPS transformation project. Pull Up Fund, based in Prince George’s County, has deep local ties and a history of supporting a variety of educational, youth and health development initiatives in historically excluded communities.

With these modern, flexible learning environments, HOA and PGCPS are setting a national example for how thoughtful design can address inequities in education and equip students with the skills they need to thrive for generations to come.

To view the media kit for this initiative, please click here.

About Prince George’s County Public Schools

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation’s 20th largest school districts, has 200 schools and centers, more than 132,854 students and nearly 20,000 employees. The school system serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities located in the Washington, DC suburbs. PGCPS is nationally recognized for college and career-readiness programs that provide students with unique learning opportunities, including dual enrollment and language immersion. PGCPS’s mission is to ensure all students graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a globally competitive world.

About Pull Up Fund

Pull Up Fund proudly supports the youth of Prince George’s County. We are pulling up communities around the county and connecting them with resources to help them thrive.​ Prior Pull Up Fund grants have supported an array of different issues including increasing access to mental health services, supporting youth development initiatives, and providing resources for individuals returning to the community after incarceration.​

Media Contact:

Kelsey Rockey
krockey@heartofamerica.org
913-956-9959