Boston Spelling Bee Raises $265K for Adult Education

First Literacy hosted the 36th Annual Spelling Bee fundraiser on Thursday, March 26, in Boston, successfully raising $265,000 to support adult education programs.

According to a Boston Globe report, 20 teams competed, with Akamai Technologies prevailing by spelling the winning word qubit. The group edged out the Community's United team, sponsored by the Peabody Essex Museum, in the final round to capture the honor.

Former WBZ news anchor Josh Binswanger returned for a 16th year, hosting the event for almost 200 attendees at J.P. Morgan on Fargo Street.

Sponsorship funds will underwrite adult learner scholarships, professional development workshops, and grants for basic education programs run by First Literacy.

According to the Boston Globe, speakers also described the impact that First Literacy has had on their lives and communities.

Tammy McDonald detailed how a First Literacy grant supported Blue Hills Education's digital literacy program to boost students' proficiency and comfort with technology.

“Education is a pathway to opportunity, independence, and growth,” said Christele St. Jules, a First Literacy scholar, in a statement shared with The Boston Globe. First Literacy was “more than a scholarship program; it was a family,” she explained.