WICHITA, Kan., May 13, 2025 – Last week, 2,786 K–3 students across 13 Wichita Public Schools received brand-new books to take home, helping to prevent summer learning loss and encourage a love of reading. Thanks to the 2025 Champions for Literacy fundraising event, held in partnership with Wichita State University and United Way of the Plains, 5,572 books were distributed, with each student receiving two books along with resources to support reading at home.
According to data from the Kansas Department of Education, 77% of Wichita third graders were not reading proficiently during the 2023-2024 school year. To combat this, United Way of the Plains has worked with Wichita Public Schools and Wichita State University to raise money to buy books for children through Champions for Literacy, which is a national initiative that uses the power of sports to raise awareness about the need to improve reading skills.
Wichita State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams helped rally support by hosting designated Champions for Literacy games in February in order to raise awareness and funds for this year’s literacy program. 151 donations were made with a matching grant fund from International Paper Company, for a total of $25,142 raised. Generous fans and community partners have kept WSU on the leaderboard among participating NCAA teams over the last several years.
United Way of the Plains CEO and President Pete Najera said, “We view Wichita State University as a powerful partner in our community’s #ForceForGood. Their administration, coaches and basketball fans understand the value of life-long learning and believe in the potential of every student. This program provides help and hope for our local students and future Shockers.”
Book sorting, packaging and distribution were made possible through the volunteer support of more than 25 partner organizations, including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Capitol Federal
- Credit Union of America
- Emprise Bank
- Grant Thornton
- Great Plains Ventures
- International Paper
- Intrust Bank
- Kansas Children’s Services League
- Kansas Leadership Center
- Koch Industries
- PrimeFit Youth Foundation
- Progression Partners
- Salvation Army
- Serve United
- Small Business United
- Stand Together
- The Pando Initiative
- United Way Board of Directors
- Wichita Collective Impact
- Wichita Public Library
- Wichita Public Schools
- WSU Athletics
- WSU Public Policy and Management Center
- WSU Tech
- YMCA
Book deliveries were made last week to these Wichita Public Elementary Schools:
- Adams
- Buckner
- College Hill
- Gordon Parks
- Harry Street
- Irving
- Jackson
- L’Ouverture
- Mueller
- Ortiz
- Spaght
- Washington
- Woodland
Learn more about Champions for Literacy by visiting: championsforlit.org
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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.
