Books That Build Skills is a literacy nonprofit and youth development organization helping kids and teens ages 8–14 grow into confident, capable learners through engaging reading experiences, real-world skill building, and meaningful career awareness. Our work combines literacy programs for kids, life skills education for middle school students, and hands-on STEM programs for girls and boys, alongside career exploration and career readiness opportunities that connect learning to the future. Families and educators can also access our middle grade books for purchase, designed to build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving through story, as well as a podcast for teens about careers and life skills that extends learning beyond the page. Together, our books, programs, and media create educational experiences that strengthen reading, leadership, communication, and critical thinking — giving young people the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.
ABOUT ATHENIAN FROM 2019 TO 2026
Books That Build Skills. Programs That Build Futures.
Over the past seven years, Athenian has grown from a small, hands-on club program into a national literacy, life-skills and career exploration initiative reaching students across the USA through books, media, and educational programs. What began as in-person workshops teaching girls how things work—from cars to engineering to hands-on building—has evolved into Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian, a story-driven program that teaches life skills, career exploration, and confidence through books, podcasts, and educational resources.
Each stage of growth added something new: hands-on programs, driving simulators, camps, curriculum, books, and now a career exploration YouTube show. While the tools have changed, the mission has not. Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian exists to help young people—especially girls—build real-world skills, explore careers, and discover what they are capable of doing and becoming.
Our bird’s-eye shift toward literacy came after we were confronted with a staggering reality: only one out of three 8th graders in the United States can read at grade level. That is not just an education issue—it is a life outcome issue. We realized that if students are going to build confidence, explore careers, and change their future, literacy has to come first. The question became: how do you help students want to read? Our answer was story. By creating a character who faces challenges, makes decisions, solves problems, and explores careers, readers begin to see themselves in the story. And when students see themselves in a story, they keep reading. And when they keep reading, their world gets bigger.
That is what Athenian builds. Skills, confidence, and futures—one story at a time.
Athenian Impact Projects
Athenian Timeline 2019-2026
STORY QUEST MAKES ITS PUBLIC DEBUT
The official launch of Story Quest at North Shelby Library in Birmingham, Alabama, marked an exciting milestone in our mission. This innovative literacy and workforce development program brings adventure stories to life through hands-on activities, career exploration, and essential life skills for young people ages 10–15. Made possible through partnerships with local businesses and the North Shelby Library, the educational kits will be available at no checkout cost to eligible library cardholders for use by educators, homeschool groups, churches, and youth organizations across the community. With expansion into additional U.S. cities underway and a nationwide rollout planned for 2027, Birmingham is leading the way in reimagining how communities prepare tomorrow’s workforce.
CAREERS IRL PODCAST LAUNCH
The launch of the Careers IRL podcast on YouTube on January 15 marked an exciting expansion of the mission beyond the page. The YouTube show brings real conversations about careers, life skills, creativity, and problem solving directly to teens, helping them see how the skills they build today connect to the opportunities of tomorrow. “Stories open the door to imagination, but conversations show kids what’s possible in real life. Through this podcast, we’re helping young people connect curiosity to careers and confidence to action,” said Loxley Browne, Athenian Founder & Charms Book Series Author.
CHARMS BOOK SERIES LAUNCHES
The launch of the Charms Book Series introduced readers to Attie’s world — a place where curiosity leads, big ideas matter, and adventure and learning go hand in hand. The series celebrates determination, creativity, and the boundless potential inside every girl, encouraging young readers to explore STREAM careers and trust their own ability to solve problems, think boldly, and shape their futures. “Through Attie’s adventures, I hope readers see that their ideas are powerful, their questions are important, and there are truly no limits to what they can achieve,” said Loxley Browne, Athenian Founder and Charms Book Series Author.
MISSION TO MARS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Athenian “Mission to Mars: Space Diary” Contest winners were announced on International STEM Day at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
1st Place: Jaidyn Rethman,
2nd Place: Marijka Ristic,
3rd Place: Thomas Diepstraten.
MISSION TO MARS LAUNCHES
The Athenian “Mission to Mars: Space Diary” Contest inspired by NASA engaged students across the United States in an immersive creative writing experience that resulted in the Top 3 entries being published in a book and launched on International STEM Day at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on November 8, 2024. A free summer contest for all students in grades 6 thru 12 across the United States of America to join. Through research, recorded interviews, writing prompts, and monthly Q+A sessions with NASA experts, registered students ignited their imagination and invented, through their writing, a vision of their own “mission” to the Red Planet twenty years into the future.
NEW HQ LOCATION & NAME
The Magic City – Birmingham, Alabama – is announced as our new Athenian Headquarters with the strategic cross-country move. Positioned in the heart of the South, Athenian is poised to catapult its growth by tapping into the unparalleled opportunities available in proximity to key players in business in Alabama and Georgia. Athena Racing is closed in California and Athenian, the Alabama NonProfit Corporation, is opened in Alabama.
GIRLS AT TRACK COMPETITION
Sheena Monk and Katherine Legge lead the ‘Girls at Track Competition’ providing insights into careers in motorsports within their team at Gradient Racing, the IMSA paddock and supporting motorsports vendors.
JAMIE CHADWICK & DHL BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
DHL delivered Andretti Global INDY NXT driver Jamie Chadwick for a behind-the-scenes tour of DHL’s global hub in Cincinnati plus the Gallagher Grand Prix in Indianapolis where Athenians met with Jamie Chadwick, Firestone, HPD, Andretti team members and toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
FABcamp 2022: e-BIKE CONVERSION
Our flagship online camp – FABcamp – build is converting a regular bicycle into an e-bike. All participating Athenians are creating their own e-bikes to present at the Spring Celebration.
BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Loxley Browne is a Finalist for “Business Woman of Year” proclaimed by the San Diego Business Journal.
STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
The Student Advisory Board President is announced. Akshaya Koramutla is the voice for the Athenian members and representative for the organization.
DRIVEN TO GIVE BACK FUNDRAISER
Jimmie Johnson & Carvana ‘Driven to Give Back’ fundraiser and behind-the-scenes track visit at the INDYCAR Portland Grand Prix.
FABcamp 2022: BMW DRIVING SIM
Our flagship online camp – FABcamp – build is Simmie the Driving Simulator. A BMW 318 that we gutted and refitted with gaming components making learning how to drive less stressful for all Athenians (and parents).
LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
Honda Performance Development (HPD) hosts Athenians trackside for the Long Beach Grand Prix giving an insiders look into the Women in Motorsports involved in INDYCAR.
STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
The Student Advisory Board President is announced. Heleina Cicero is the voice for the Athenian members and representative for the organization.
CRASH JEWELRY CONTEST
FABcamp 2021 jewelry design winners are treated to a day at the CRASH studio in Los Angeles to create their winning designs.
AWARD WINNER!
Athena San Diego’s Annual Pinnacle Awards Celebration and celebrated its 23rd year of production in 2021 as part of its Lifting While Climbing Summit. CEO and Founder Loxley Browne of Athena Racing was presented the Athena Pinnacle Award, showcasing individuals advancing women in STEM.
FABcamp 2021: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION OF ROBOTIC ASSISTANT
Our flagship online camp – FABcamp – is entry into an International Pitch Competition and 40 days from concept to working prototype. Bottie the robotic assistant is our entry and we receive alcolades as the Judge’s Favorites.
CEO of the YEAR 2021 FINALIST
Recognized as a finalist for ‘CEO of the Year’ by San Diego Business Journal.
WOMAN OF INFLUENCE IN TECHNOLOGY
Recognized as a “Woman of Influence in Technology” by San Diego Business Journal.
TRACK DAY FUNDRAISER
Track Day Fundraiser held at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway with assistance provided by celebrity guest Chip Foose.
REPRESENTED AT REBELLE RALLY
Team Evergreen – Erin Vogel and Sara Swenson – represent Athenian at the Rebelle Rally and win “Rookie of the Year”
FABcamp 2020: Drift Trike
Our flagship online camp – FABcamp – kicks off with our team FABricating a Drifting Trike from spare parts found at the shop during COVID lockdown.
ONE YEAR CELEBRATION
We celebrate our action-packed first year since the IDEA sparked! We gained 501c3 designation from IRS, worked with the second largest school district in California, trained at the track, toured Racing Industry locations, pivoted to 100% online training, and won a prestigious award! What a first year…while dealing with COVID lockdown.
PANDEMIC PIVOT IN HYPERDRIVE
Pandemic Pivot is instituted! All programs are offered 100% online to girls nationwide.
GLOBAL COVID PANDEMIC
Global COVID pandemic is elevated and strict lockdown stay-at-home orders are given for the State of California (762 days later most of the executive orders are dropped by Governor Newsom, restrictions were in place from Jan 25, 2020 to Feb 25, 2022)
AWARD WINNER!
“Engineering Project of the Year 2020” is awarded to Athena Racing, the new 7-month old start-up STREAM Education club.
SRO AT THERMAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
We go behind-the-scenes for the SRO race at Thermal to meet the SRO team that brings the race to life and participating teams and drivers.
ON THE TRACK
Karting training at AutoClub Speedway gets intense with professional driver and Board Director, Hannah Grisham.
E-SPORTS LAUNCH
Our Board donates and builds driving simulators as a way of teaching our Athenians how to drive.
AUTO SHOW INSPIRATION
San Diego Auto Show invites our team to inspire #GirlsinSTEM with an autograph session.
ON THE TRACK
Karting training begins at K1 Speed with 2-time SCCA National Champion and Board Director, John Hayes.
NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
Garth Stein supports our 501c3 nonprofit with autographed copies of “The Art of Racing in the Rain” for our fundraising launch.
SCHOOLS SUPPORT & INVOLVE THEIR STUDENTS
Athena Racing programming is introduced into the second largest school district in California.
OFFICIAL 501(C)3 NONPROFIT STATUS GRANTED
Athena Racing is granted 501(c)3 status by the IRS. Our business of innovation + design + engineering + business + professional training becomes THE program for girls who want to “get their hands dirty” and do their part to make the world move!
THE IDEA SPARKS!
The Athenian idea sparks and the first mention is given in a car ride to lunch. Loxley pitches the idea to a group of racers and businessmen gathered around the table in true Shark Tank style. Her start-up sector superpowers kick into high gear and by mid-May all of the needed business formation is set.
Our Impact at a Glance
In just a few short years, Athenian has grown from a bold idea into a movement that is transforming how girls experience life skills. We don’t just teach skills, we build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging in industries where girls are often overlooked.
Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian isn’t just a Nonprofit... it’s a launchpad for girls who want to build, create, explore, design, engineer, write, fly, invent, and lead.
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