Written by Denise Gary
Photographs © Denise Gary
Avnet Contributions Council has awarded Kids Need to Read with a $1,500 grant for use in the expansion of Reading Revolution, the groundbreaking literacy program for middle school students produced by Kids Need to Read in partnership with Arizona State University and ASU Preparatory Academy, an inner-city charter school serving impoverished children in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This is in addition to a $1,500 grant provided by Avnet during the 2011-2012 school year when Reading Revolution was introduced to the seventh and eighth grade students at ASU Preparatory Academy.
The 2012–2013 school year is the second year of development for the uniquely interactive three-year program that introduces disadvantaged middle school students to a highly engaging educational experience, while teaching them the impact of reading on every aspect of life. Standardized test scores indicated a marked improvement in literacy scores after the first year of Reading Revolution. New projects were developed for students who participated in the program last year, and sixth grade students were included for the first time.
“Avnet, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, including connectors and semiconductors; technology solutions, computer products and embedded technology.” The company “considers it a corporate responsibility to reach out and make a difference in its communities around the world” by focusing on children’s welfare, education, and community partnerships.
Kids Need to Read and Arizona State University sincerely thank Avnet Contributions Council for their assistance in funding Reading Revolution for the children of ASU Preparatory Academy and the many others who will be impacted by this program in the future.
Reading Revolution Program Partners
Arizona State University
ASU Preparatory Academy
Reading Revolution Funding Partners
American Woodmark Foundation
Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation
Avnet Contributions Council
Cardinals Charities
Employees Community Fund of Boeing Arizona
Fry’s Fund
John F. Long Foundation
National Home Library Foundation
Otto & Edna Neely Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund
More Reading Revolution Program Information
