A significant marker for educational success occurs when most children are only 8-9 years old. How well a child reads at the end of third grade can affect the rest of their education.
Through third grade, students are learning to read. Beginning in fourth grade, students are reading to learn-using their reading skills to gain information, solve problems and think critically. A child who can't read at grade level by third grade is four times less likely to graduate from high school. If this same child lives in poverty, 13 times less likely to graduate.
The Scripps Howard Foundation is "Giving light. Changing lives" for children in need nationwide through its "If You Give a Child a Book … " campaign.
Here at KSBY, we have partnered with a Title One school in Santa Maria to help provide the books they need for their students.Arellanes Elementary Schoolwill be a part of our "Big Book Giveaway" in January as we partner with Scholastic to turn all the community donations into books for children who need them most.
The campaign begins Monday, Sept. 7 and lasts through Friday, Sept. 11. The Scripps Howard Foundation with be matching the first $5,000 donated, so make sure to donate early to ensure your pledge is being doubled!
Employees here at KSBY began the campaign internally in early August to help support the children at Arellanes, and in total KSBY raised $3,553.
In the program's first three years, Scripps Howard Foundation and employees of The E.W. Scripps Company donated more than 180,000 new books to children facing poverty in their communities.
To donate, click here. Or visit KSBY.com/giveabook.
