Wichita State University and United Way Deliver Thousands of Books to Local Students

WICHITA, Kan., MAY 4, 2026 – Thousands of students at 13 Wichita Public Schools will receive brand-new books to take home, helping to prevent summer learning loss and encourage a love of reading. Thanks to the 2026 Champions for Literacy fundraising event, held in partnership with Wichita State University and United Way of the Plains, 2,754 kindergarten through third-grade students will each receive two new 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 improve 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 to raise awareness and funds for this year’s literacy program. 115 donations were made with a matching grant fund from International Paper Company, for a total of $25,934. Generous fans and community partners have kept WSU on the leaderboard among participating NCAA teams over the last several years.

Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains shared, “We like to say that this generation’s readers are the next generation’s leaders. Literacy skills provide a pathway to success in a child’s overall education and well-being as an adult. Our partnership with Wichita State University is helping students build a foundation that is rooted in solid literacy skills. We’re thankful for Champions for Literacy and our donors that make this book distribution possible.”

“Research shows that reading at home and having access to books at home increases a student’s reading proficiency and vocabulary. We appreciate the support from the United Way of the Plains and Wichita State University to help grow our students’ home libraries,” said Wichita Public Schools Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld.

Media Opportunities

There will be two media opportunities to film, photograph and collect interviews pertaining to these book distributions. Media should arrive 15 minutes prior to the distribution start time and must present government-issued ID to school staff during the required check-in process.

Book Distribution #1:

• Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m. (arrive at 9:15 a.m.)
• Adams Elementary School, 1002 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS 67206
• Interview Opportunities.
  • • Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools
• Logan Bradshaw, Director of Community Impact, United Way of the Plains

Book Distribution #2:

• Friday, May 8, 2026, 9:15 a.m. (arrive at 9 a.m.)
• Samuel E. Spaght Science and Communication Magnet, 2316 E. 10th St. N., Wichita, KS 67214
• Interview Opportunities:
  • Paul Mills, Head Coach, Wichita State University Men’s Basketball
  • Logan Bradshaw, Director of Community Impact, United Way of the Plains

Books will be delivered this week to the following Wichita Public Elementary Schools:

• Adams Elementary School
• Buckner Performing Arts Magnet Elementary School
• College Hill Elementary School
• Gordon Parks Academy STEM Leaders in Applied Media and Arts
• Harry Street Elementary School
• Irving Elementary School
• Jackson Elementary School
• L’Ouverture Career Exploration and Technology Magnet Elementary School
• Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet Elementary School
• Ortiz Elementary School
• Samuel E. Spaght Science and Communications Magnet Elementary School
• Washington Accelerated Learning Elementary School
• Woodland Health and Wellness Magnet Elementary School

Book sorting and packaging were made possible through the volunteer support of more than seven partner organizations, including:

• Bank of America
• Child Start
• City of Wichita
• INTRUST Bank
• Reeds Cove Health and Rehabilitation
• Serve United
• Woodland United Methodist Church

Learn more about Champions for Literacy by visiting: championsforlit.org

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Susan Arensman, Strategic Communications Supervisor, Wichita Public Schools, (316) 973-4582, SArensman@usd259.net
• Bryan Ramsdale, Manager of Digital Content Creation, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4103, bramsdale@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in south-central Kansas can reach their full potential. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.