WNBA star Caitlin Clark has taken a significant step towards enhancing literacy among children. On January 22, Scholastic announced a generous donation of 22,000 new books to the Caitlin Clark Foundation. This initiative aligns with Scholastic’s United States of Readers program, which aims to bridge the literacy gap for students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade in under-resourced schools across America. The donated books will cater to various reading levels and will be distributed not only to schools but also to children's hospitals and non-profit organizations, particularly focusing on Clark’s home state, Iowa. Clark emphasized the importance of reading in her own life and expressed her desire to provide similar experiences for children. Scholastic’s Chief Impact Officer Judy Newman highlighted Clark’s role as a role model and the potential impact of this collaboration on child literacy rates.
Clark, who is deeply passionate about education, shared her personal connection to reading. She recalled the joy and empowerment she felt as a child when selecting books from the Scholastic flyer. Her foundation now aims to replicate this experience for young readers, encouraging them to develop strong reading skills and expand their imaginations. The donation is part of a broader effort to address the decline in reading habits among children, exacerbated by increased screen time and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent reports, there has been a notable decrease in the number of children reading regularly, with only 28% of kids aged six to 17 reading five to seven days a week in 2022, down from 37% in 2010.
The United States of Readers program, launched in September 2021, has already made a positive impact on 65,000 students nationwide. Newman noted that the program has seen improvements in literacy, motivation, and self-confidence among participants. By partnering with Clark, Scholastic hopes to amplify these efforts and inspire meaningful changes in child literacy rates. Clark’s involvement is expected to bring champion-level advocacy and support, driving radical improvements in literacy access and outcomes.
The collaboration between the Caitlin Clark Foundation and Scholastic marks a pivotal moment in the fight against literacy inequity. With the donated books reaching children in need, this initiative aims to foster a love for reading and equip young minds with the tools they need to succeed. By addressing the challenges posed by modern distractions and educational disruptions, this partnership seeks to create lasting change and empower future generations to dream big through the power of literature.