| Read-2-Lead - "Achieving Through Reading"
San José State University (SJSU) leverages the appeal of collegiate athletics to promote literacy and leadership. Read-2-Lead is a literacy and mentoring program that uses the influence of student-athletes enrolled at SJSU to ignite the desire within youth to improve their reading habits. Read-2-Lead includes a Read-Aloud visiting program for youth ages 6-12. The Spartan football players coordinate and conduct a series of activities to mentor youth and promote literacy. Future plans include a book club, e-mail pen pals, a website and summits on reading for youth ages 13-18. The Read-a-Lot Summit is scheduled to debut in September 2004 during the Read-2-Lead Classic.
Read-2-Lead was developed by Dr. Fitzgerald Hill, head football coach for the SJSU Spartans. His personal leadership and vision to improve literacy among youth in the community is demonstrated by his emphasis on academic achievement. Dr. Hill was selected by CityFlight Magazine as one of the "10 Most Influential African-Americans" for his contributions to the Bay Area and the African-American community.
Literacy is a legacy that is passed from parent to child and from generation to generation. The barriers associated with low literacy are also handed down, perpetuating the cycle of social, economic and academic disadvantages. The National Adult Literacy Survey found that one in five adults has difficulty with reading and writing. Challenges from lack of education to learning English as a second language have resulted in literacy issues for a significant percent of African-American and Latino youth. A college degree can break the cycle - it is the single greatest factor in gaining access to a better quality of life. |
