Shocker Nation and United Way Team Up to Support Childhood Literacy Efforts

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 26, 2025 — Wichita State University and United Way of the Plains have joined forces once again to support childhood literacy. Through their partnership with Champions for Literacy, a national initiative uniting college basketball fans and teams for a common cause, they are working to ensure every child can read.

WSU will host the final designated Champions for Literacy game this Thursday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. at Koch Arena.

According to data from the Kansas Department of Education, 77% of Wichita third graders were not reading proficiently during the 2023-2024 school year.

So far, the organizations have raised just over $9,000 of the $15,000 goal to help fund United Way’s local literacy programs, provide reading resources and gift new books to kindergarten through third grade students at Title I schools in the Shocker neighborhood. A $10 donation will provide two new books to help a student fight summer learning loss.

President and CEO of United Way of the Plains, Pete Najera, is excited about this continued partnership. “We’re grateful to be the beneficiary for this funding initiative with Shocker nation in order to raise awareness about childhood literacy. All funds stay local to support future Shockers, providing Wichita students with the tools needed to get them reading proficiently.”

In 2024, a total of 5,800 books were delivered to 2,900 students each receiving two books and resources for parents to assist with improving their child’s reading skills. United Way of the Plains and Shocker nation hope to reach even more students with this year’s initiative, but time is running out.

Be a Champion for Literacy and donate at unitedwayplains.org/literacy.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.