The NCAA Readers Become Leaders program began in 2016, and each year it motivates elementary school students and educators to focus on reading skills through involvement in college sports.
This year, the NCAA partnered with Indiana University Indianapolis and Butler University athletic departments to engage Indianapolis public school children in the program.
According to NCAA News, “Readers Become Leaders pep rallies include special video greetings from NCAA President Charlie Baker and other national office staff; targeted messaging tailored to youth at halftime and timeouts; interactions with student-athletes, mascots and spirit teams; and discussions around the importance of reading.”
More than 3,000 elementary students attended the IU Indy men’s basketball game against IU Columbus and the Readers Become Leaders pep rally. Meanwhile, Butler welcomed 2,000 Indianapolis elementary students to its pep rally and women’s basketball game against Chicago State.
During both games, elementary students packed the stands and college student-athletes later told NCAA News how fun the atmosphere was when all the kids cheered. Riley Makalusky, a sophomore on Butler’s women’s basketball team said, “The kids game is such a special way to be able to connect with kids in our community to get them engaged in reading and women's basketball.”
AT IU Indy, Sarah Henson, a junior on the women’s soccer team said, “I think reading is important for everyone to be doing on a normal basis, especially kids. It provides a good framework of knowledge for them and is a very healthy habit to have."
Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement said, “The NCAA is proud to provide the Readers Become Leaders program and support all the local reading initiatives to improve youth literacy. Third grade reading is a critical milestone in young students' education. Academic success is a core value of the NCAA, and we are thrilled to partner with schools and parents to find fun, exciting ways to encourage young students to read.”
