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Pi Beta Phi's philanthropic focus since 1910 has been literacy and support of the arts/ art education. This has taken various forms. The earliest efforts were establishing public education in the remote areas of the Smokey Mountains (Gatlinburg TN, pre- Dollywood). The elementary school there is still Pi Beta Phi school, even though the fraternity turned over control to the county years ago. The fraternity still owns the Arrowmont school of Arts and Crafts, a leader in the education of artists. I knew of Arrowmont through my father, a printmaker, long before I knew what Pi Beta Phi was!
Now, clubs and chapters are encouraged to work with local libraries and schools on literacy projects but are also encouraged to do CAR (Champions are Readers) an established program is set up to work with 3rd graders (the year that many states begin requiring passage of a standardized test). We have been partnered with Read Across America since 2005, and last year distributed books and information about literacy to passengers flying Southwest Airlines on Dr Suess's birthday.
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