A dictionary is perhaps the first and most powerful reference tool that a child should own. Its usefulness goes beyond the spellings, pronunciations, and definitions it lists; it is a companion for solving problems that arise as a child develops his or her reading, writing, and creative thinking abilities. Students benefit from an increased self-reliance and resourcefulness inspired by the maxim "look it up". Teachers benefit by knowing that their students have consistent access to a tool for homework and in-class explorations. We emphasize the importance of using a dictionary to make sure that all words are spelled correctly.

The program is an opportunity for children to expand their vocabulary and for many to actually own a dictionary. A strong vocabulary is an essential tool for gaining knowledge. The limits of an individual's language are the limits of his world. A large vocabulary does not guarantee success but a small vocabulary limits the use that a person can make of his or her natural abilities. Low vocabulary decreases the effectiveness of inborn gifts in any civilization.

We believe the power of the gift resides in the giving, so we try to find volunteers through civic organizations to distribute the dictionaries. Volunteers visit with each third grade class for 10 to 15 minutes, to give the students a "pep talk" to use the dictionary and telling them to always "Look it up!" when they meet a new word. Some businesses or civic organizations put a label in the dictionary to let the students and teachers know that they donated the dictionary. Over 300,000 students have received a dictionary through this program.

Last year The Dictionary Project was able to raise enough money to buy a dictionary for every third grade student in the state of South Carolina. We have expanded the project outside of this state so that more students can benefit from this program. The Dictionary Project has been implemented by volunteers in California, Hawaii, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Delaware, Maryland, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. The Dictionary Project provides the essential tool a child needs for a quality education. A child cannot do his or her best work without a dictionary.