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Coaching for Literacy
Lamar University men’s and women’s basketball has partnered with Coaching for Literacy to help drive down the illiteracy statistics in Beaumont through the inaugural #Fight4Literacy Games, presented by International Paper. The LU men will #Fight4Literacy versus Tarleton State on Wednesday, Jan. 26, while the Cardinal women will follow suit versus California Baptist on Thursday, Feb. 10.
In the state of Texas, nearly 39% of fourth-grade students cannot read at a basic level. Less than 30% are considered proficient. These statistics are critical. Illiteracy costs our nation’s health care system hundreds of billions of dollars per year and indicates future rates of poverty and crime.
During the games, the LU basketball coach staff will wear green lapel pins, wristbands and/or ties to raise awareness for literacy. Fans are invited to donate in support of local programs. One hundred percent of the funds generated at the game will stay in Beaumont to support young readers.
Since 2013, Coaching for Literacy has granted more than $730,000 to local literacy partners to fund initiatives like mentoring, after-school programs and providing age-appropriate books for children.
“#Fight4Literacy presented by International Paper is truly a movement,” said Carleen O’Reilly, executive director of Coaching for Literacy. “We know how crucial it is for young kids to learn to read, and active, committed partners like Lamar University are an important piece of that puzzle. But anyone can fight for literacy, and this partnership really helps bring the issue front and center in the Beaumont community and among Lamar basketball fans. We hope it creates a long-term impact.”
A final fundraising total will be announced at the end of the season, when grants will be provided to Coaching for Literacy’s local partners. For more information about Coaching for Literacy or the #Fight4Literacy, visit coachingforliteracy.org.