Latest news with #ChampionsforLiteracy
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wichita kids get free books for summer reading
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Nearly 2,800 elementary students across Wichita took home new books last week, thanks to a citywide effort to prevent summer learning loss and build literacy skills at an early age. A total of 5,572 books were distributed to 2,786 K–3 students across 13 Wichita Public Schools as part of the 2025 Champions for Literacy initiative — a national campaign that pairs sports with reading advocacy. Each student received two books and additional resources to support reading at home. The effort comes in response to sobering figures from the Kansas Department of Education showing that 77% of Wichita third graders were not reading proficiently in the 2023–2024 school year. To help reverse that trend, United Way of the Plains, Wichita State University, and Wichita Public Schools partnered to raise funds and awareness through the Champions for Literacy campaign. The initiative culminated in special WSU men's and women's basketball games in February, where fans contributed 151 donations. With support from a matching grant by International Paper, the effort raised $25,142. FDA moves to get rid of ingestible fluoride for kids 'Wichita State University is a powerful partner in our community's #ForceForGood,' Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains, said in a statement. 'This program provides help and hope for our local students and future Shockers.' The initiative drew widespread support from more than 25 community organizations, with volunteers helping sort, package, and distribute books. Books were delivered to students at the following elementary schools: Adams, Buckner, College Hill, Gordon Parks, Harry Street, Irving, Jackson, L'Ouverture, Mueller, Ortiz, Spaght, Washington, and Woodland. To learn more about the Champions for Literacy initiative, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
31-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
International Paper Joins the Fight for Literacy for the Ninth Year
MEMPHIS, Tenn., January 31, 2025 /3BL/ - Memphis-based International Paper has renewed its commitment to boosting childhood reading, joining Champions for Literacy (formerly Coaching for Literacy) as its signature partner for the ninth consecutive year. 'Third grade reading level is a powerful predictor of high school graduation and career-building. Regardless of zip code, if a kid is reading on grade level by the end of third grade, there is an 89% chance they will complete high school and embark on a career. It's hard to find another cause that transcends economics in that manner.' said Jason Baker, Executive Director at Champions for Literacy. 'Educators and organizations like ours are working hard to make sure every child flourishes in life through the skill of reading, and partners like International Paper truly help provide the tools needed with their investment. We do it all via the platform of sports, bringing a big platform to a big cause.' Through its partnership, International Paper is recognized as presenting sponsor of the national program Fight for Literacy Games, through which Champions for Literacy partners with collegiate sports teams to raise awareness and funds for the cause of childhood literacy. Funds raised through the games are granted to local partners to support literacy for students from birth through third grade. In prior years, grants have funded tutoring programs, summer learning camps, and the purchase of age-appropriate reading materials for classrooms and students. 'Literacy is the foundation of all education, and improving it is how we will prepare tomorrow's leaders,' said Dynisha Woods, Manager, Community Engagement, International Paper. 'Partnering with Champions for Literacy allows us to impact tens of thousands of students and numerous organizations in communities across the United States. We are committed to this partnership and heartened by the difference we can make in the Fight for Literacy.' Over the past nine years, through its partnership with Champions for Literacy, International Paper has directly provided grant funding to 40 literacy organizations in more than 20 states. This season Champions for Literacy has 88 collegiate athletic teams committed to hosting a Fight for Literacy Game, their largest number of teams to date. About International PaperInternational Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting About Champions for LiteracyFounded in 2013 by two high school athletes, Champions for Literacy uses the power of sports to impact childhood reading. CFL has hosted 350+ Fight for Literacy Games with 150+ collegiate athletic teams, generating more than $1.8 million to fund critical reading projects for 95,000 kids. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, visit
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
International Paper Joins the Fight for Literacy for the Ninth Year
The company signs on as signature partner for Champion for Literacy's program Fight for Literacy Games MEMPHIS, TN / / January 31, 2025 / Memphis-based International Paper has renewed its commitment to boosting childhood reading, joining Champions for Literacy (formerly Coaching for Literacy) as its signature partner for the ninth consecutive year. "Third grade reading level is a powerful predictor of high school graduation and career-building. Regardless of zip code, if a kid is reading on grade level by the end of third grade, there is an 89% chance they will complete high school and embark on a career. It's hard to find another cause that transcends economics in that manner." said Jason Baker, Executive Director at Champions for Literacy. "Educators and organizations like ours are working hard to make sure every child flourishes in life through the skill of reading, and partners like International Paper truly help provide the tools needed with their investment. We do it all via the platform of sports, bringing a big platform to a big cause." Through its partnership, International Paper is recognized as presenting sponsor of the national program Fight for Literacy Games, through which Champions for Literacy partners with collegiate sports teams to raise awareness and funds for the cause of childhood literacy. Funds raised through the games are granted to local partners to support literacy for students from birth through third grade. In prior years, grants have funded tutoring programs, summer learning camps, and the purchase of age-appropriate reading materials for classrooms and students. "Literacy is the foundation of all education, and improving it is how we will prepare tomorrow's leaders," said Dynisha Woods, Manager, Community Engagement, International Paper. "Partnering with Champions for Literacy allows us to impact tens of thousands of students and numerous organizations in communities across the United States. We are committed to this partnership and heartened by the difference we can make in the Fight for Literacy." Over the past nine years, through its partnership with Champions for Literacy, International Paper has directly provided grant funding to 40 literacy organizations in more than 20 states. This season Champions for Literacy has 88 collegiate athletic teams committed to hosting a Fight for Literacy Game, their largest number of teams to date. About International PaperInternational Paper (NYSE:IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting About Champions for LiteracyFounded in 2013 by two high school athletes, Champions for Literacy uses the power of sports to impact childhood reading. CFL has hosted 350+ Fight for Literacy Games with 150+ collegiate athletic teams, generating more than $1.8 million to fund critical reading projects for 95,000 kids. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, visit ### For more information, contactJason BakerChampions for Literacyjason@ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper on Contact Info:Spokesperson: International PaperWebsite: info@ SOURCE: International Paper View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
