Innovative Solutions Recognized at Lipman Family Prize Awards
PHILADELPHIA, April 28, 2025 – A global competition spotlighting innovative solutions has crowned Barbershop Books as the grand prize winner of the 2025 Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize. This unique community initiative, focusing on reducing literacy gaps through culturally relevant strategies, stood out among approximately 150 international applicants.
Barbershop Books, which began in 2013, engages children in over 260 barbershops annually, impacting more than 15,000 young readers. As the grand prize recipient, the organization will receive $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Additionally, BleagLee and Technovation earned $150,000 each, along with executive training and support from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania.
Lipman Founder Barry Lipman stated, “This year’s winners exemplify what we look for in Lipman organizations — solutions that are grounded in community, fueled by innovation, and poised for growth. Barbershop Books, BleagLee, and Technovation are tackling complex challenges with creativity and care, and we’re thrilled to support their continued leadership.”
Alvin Irby, Founder of Barbershop Books, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the prize and partnership opportunities will bolster their mission to encourage Black boys and other vulnerable children to develop a love for reading. “Winning the Grand Prize is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team, the commitment of our program partners, and the inspiration we draw daily from the young readers we serve,” said Irby.
About the 2025 Winners
- Barbershop Books aims to inspire Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming.
- BleagLee addresses climate change by innovating waste management solutions to combat improper waste disposal in both urban and rural areas.
- Technovation empowers girls to become leaders and problem solvers through technology and AI education.
Beyond the financial rewards, the Lipman Family Prize connects winners to a vast network of changemakers, offering resources, skills, and opportunities to extend their impact globally. This includes an executive education program, eligibility for the Lipman Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship, and pro-bono consultations among other benefits.
About the Lipman Family Prize
Since its inception in 2012, the Lipman Family Prize has been an annual event celebrating groundbreaking solutions that encourage collaborative thinking. Managed by the Wharton School, the prize supports changemakers worldwide in expanding the reach of innovative ideas. Past winners include iDE, READ Global, Breakthrough, and many others, demonstrating the prize’s commitment to fostering impactful global change.
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