Here at Beanstack, we’re not just building an awesome reading motivation tool—we’re working to spark lasting impact through literacy. Our Theory of Impact lays out the purpose, approach, and vision that guide everything we do as a company. It serves as a foundation for how we support schools, libraries, and other organizations in their efforts to build stronger, more connected, and more literate communities.
Our Why
Reading for pleasure is on the decline.
The National Endowment for the Arts reported a significant drop in reading for pleasure among adults and young people. 37.6% of U.S. adults reported reading a novel or short story in 2022, the lowest rate in over 30 years. A 2023 study from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that the number of young people reading daily also hit an all-time low at just 14%, down from 27% in 2012. This decline isn’t just about books—it impacts academic skills, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Social connection and inclusivity are more important than ever.
According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness and social isolation have reached epidemic levels, with over 50% of adults reporting measurable loneliness. Analysts have linked the increased isolation of American society to crises in mental and physical health and to social and political polarization.
Widening literacy gaps exacerbate social disparities.
NCES found that 28% of adults ranked in the lowest level of literacy in 2023, which was a significant increase from 19% in 2021. Student test scores from 2022 and 2024 also show a significant decrease in reading skills. As literacy levels drop, individuals face greater challenges in both academic and real-world settings.
Our Approach
We build a platform that uses gamification principles and a fresh approach to reading accountability tools to inspire readers.
Beanstack transforms reading into a rewarding experience. We incorporate the best practices of goal setting, collaborative competitions, and incentives to motivate reading. Instead of using quizzes that take away from the joy of reading, we have created a reading integrity suite of tools, including virtual conversations with our Benny the Bean mascot, to ensure readers are engaged with their reading.
We partner with schools and libraries to cultivate a culture of reading in their communities.
Inclusive community programs and shared experiences, such as reading, can rebuild the social connections that many people are missing. Schools and libraries are naturally inclusive hubs of community life, making them ideal spaces to deepen connections and foster belonging.
We help these organizations, which are key to reducing social disparities, demonstrate their impact.
With built-in analytics and dashboards, our partners can see what’s working, advocate for funding, and celebrate progress. Beanstack doesn’t just boost reading, it helps provide insight into the power of literacy initiatives.
Our Vision—The World We’re Working Toward
Finally, our vision is the future we are working toward through our collaboration with schools, libraries, and communities. This vision is informed by the problem we hope to solve and carried out through our approach. Our purpose grounds us, our approach guides us, and our vision inspires us to keep going.
- People of all ages are more motivated to read and become lifelong learners.
- Schools and libraries build active reading cultures, as evidenced by increased circulation of reading materials and better outcomes.
- Schools and libraries have the resources they need to effectively serve and empower their entire community.
Beanstack is here to inspire a culture where reading is celebrated, learning never stops, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Inspired to spark stronger connections and a culture of reading in your community? Reach out to schedule a demo or request a quote, and see how Beanstack can help your school or library foster inclusive literacy programs that truly make an impact.