The Readers Become Leaders program, an NCAA initiative in partnership with the NationalCollegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships, the Fort Worth Sports Commission and Fort Worth Independent School District kicked off for the fourth year on Monday, January 24 at Harlean Beal Elementary. Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribnerand Mayor Mattie Parker were both on hand, as were TCU athletes and the Fort Worth Sports Commission. At the conclusion of the event, TCU athletes and Clifford visited classrooms, and athletes read to students.

The Readers Become Leaders program encourages and incentivizes students in grades K-5 to read on a consistent basis. More than 41,000 FWISD students participated in the program the past three years, reading a combined 14 million-plus minutes, making it the biggest NCAA community outreach program in history. 

“We are extremely proud of our collaboration with the NCAA and Fort Worth ISD, particularly in helping them achieve their academic goals, which ultimately helps them succeed in school and beyond,” said Jason Sands, director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, a division of Visit Fort Worth. “The positive impact of this program is a perfect example of how we are able to leverage these high-profile events to have a positive impact on the community.”

The 2022 program kicked off its fourth year on January 24 and will last for 10 weeks. The program has 680 classrooms signed up-- equating to 14,289 students. The top three schools will be invited to attend the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships Open Practice on April 13, where the winning school will be announced. 

“Reading is the foundation for all learning. Our students’ success in academics and in life depends on being able to read well,” said Fort Worth ISD Chief of Schools Jerry Moore. “Readers Become Leaders is a friendly contest that makes reading fun and rewards kids for reading. Many of our schools also receive new library books. We are proud to be a Readers Become Leaders partner for a fourth year, and we appreciate the support this program provides our teachers and students.”

Community organizations or individuals interested in donating should contact JasonSands@FortWorth.com.

For a full list of sporting events including NCAA Gymnastics, NCAA March Madness, PBR and more visit https://www.fortworth.com/sportscommission/events/ .