Bringing reading to life through mentorship
The challenge
Literacy is one of the few academic skills students have to master during their primary years – there is little time to catch up if you’re not reading as a young elementary schooler. In fact, studies show that there is a direct correlation between 3rd grade reading proficiency and the likelihood of graduating high school. To help more children eventually toss their caps and turn their tassels, former Ohio State football players founded The 2nd and 7 Foundation.
The solution
Image provided by The 2nd and 7 Foundation
The 2nd and 7 Foundation focuses on promoting literacy among 2nd graders – primarily those from economically disadvantaged communities, many of whom do not have access to their own reading materials. They distribute tens of thousands of books to children in elementary schools across the country, providing free materials to children who might not otherwise have them. This national distribution would not be possible without the support of partners like International Paper, or events like Coaching for Literacy’s #Fight4Literacy Game with Ohio State University.
Beyond having reading materials, The Foundation understood that kids also need positive, inspirational role models in their life and on their educational journey. As former athletes, they remembered what it was like to look up to high school and college athletes. So, they forged meaningful partnerships between sports programs and local elementary schools. Athletes volunteer to read to young students, demonstrating through action that reading is an important skill to learn. Additional lessons are also woven into their materials. Athletes often read The Hog Mollies – a series of stories developed by 2nd and 7 to teach about leadership, manners, kindness and respect.
The testimony
Image provided by The 2nd and 7 Foundation
Ohio State lacrosse player, Evan Riss, first volunteered as a student athlete reader in the fall of 2017, and has continued volunteering since. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Riss continued to volunteer and even transitioned to virtual readings.
“The Foundation has shown me the joy of helping kids discover their dreams,” explained Riss. “I remember having inspirational guests when I was in school, and I want to have the same impact on these kids as those speakers had on me.”
You can #Fight4Literacy.
Illiteracy impacts every community – it is critical that we all join together to help children locally and around the country. Consider donating to Coaching for Literacy or participating in an upcoming #Fight4Literacy Game. Share this message with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and follow Coaching for Literacy for information about upcoming events and the fight against illiteracy. We look forward to having you on our team.
