The University of Nebraska student-athletes are swapping out the playbook for the storybook next week during ‘Go Big Read.’ The event promoting literacy is a partnership between the Nebraska athletic department and Linked2Literacy. Reading-based events throughout Lincoln will be taking place all week, and the Cornhuskers will make special appearances at various events.
On Monday, student-athletes will visit Lincoln schools to read in classrooms with students, and on Tuesday, they will be joined by cheerleaders and mascots at the public library. Later in the week, the Cornhuskers will volunteer at the Community Action Gathering Place and the Lincoln Housing Authority’s Air Park Community Center for a book drive and another reading event at the art museum.
Nebraska assistant director of community and charitable relations Kristen Nett told Huskers News, “Nebraska Athletics strives to use its platform to support the Lincoln community and make a tangible difference. We are excited to make reading more accessible and more fun with the help of sports and our Husker student-athletes. We look forward to expanding on this initiative for years to come."
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‘Go Big Read’ was born out of a need to increase literacy among elementary school students in Nebraska. A 2023-24 study showed that only 59% of students in the area were ‘proficient’ in their English Language Arts skills.
Along with the ‘Go Big Read’ events, the Nebraska Department of Education received a $55 million grant for improving literacy. The grant and the event hope that together, they can “increase third grade ELA proficiency to 75% by 2030.”
Linked2Literacy’s executive director, Kathleen Ousey told Huskers News, “Linked2Literacy is thrilled to partner with Nebraska Athletics for the first-annual Go Big Read initiative. This week of literacy and sports-themed activities will empower, ignite and encourage elementary students in Lincoln. This collaboration promotes early childhood literacy and instills a love of reading in the community."
