Local Students Get a Boost with “If You Give a Child a Book” Campaign
Covington, KY – A campaign to provide diverse books to students across the Tri-State area is underway, aiming to address critical literacy gaps and foster a love of reading. the “If You Give a Child a Book” initiative, a partnership between WCPO 9 and the Scripps Howard Fund, is currently running and will continue through September 5th, with donations on September 3rd being matched to double their impact.
The campaign tackles a significant challenge: currently, onyl 31% of fourth graders in the U.S. achieve proficient reading levels. Organizers emphasize the importance of access to books, particularly for children in low-income communities where resources are scarce. Kaeli Erskine, Philanthropic Advancement Manager for the Scripps Howard Fund, highlighted the disparity, stating, “We know that in some low-income neighborhoods, there might just be one book for every 300 children living in that neighborhood.”
The initiative allows students to choose books that appeal to their interests, a key factor in engagement. “They get to pick titles that they like, they get to pick topics that they like, and they’re really engaged, and when they can build their own library, it’s just super powerful, especially for early literacy,” explained Ellen Peach, principal at glen O. Swing Elementary in Covington. Her school, with 400 students, is one of several benefiting from the program. Peach also noted the importance of providing books in Spanish to support the school’s significant spanish-speaking population and build home libraries.
beyond immediate access, the campaign aims to cultivate a foundation for long-term academic success. Peach, a former kindergarten teacher, emphasized the link between early literacy and state test scores. “Getting their books and having the parents read to them is just so crucial, just hearing fluent reading, being exposed to vocabulary, different topics, and genres. It’s so powerful in academic achievement,” she said.Several schools in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will benefit from the book drive,including Lincoln Heights Elementary School,Oyler school,Lincoln Elementary,John G. Carlisle Elementary School, John P.Parker Elementary and Rothenberg Preparatory Academy.
the Scripps Howard Fund is focused on providing access to diverse reading materials representing a wide range of abilities, cultures, beliefs, races, and ethnicities.
To donate to the “If You Give a child a Book” campaign, visit: https://www.wcpo.com/giveabook.
Key Facts & Context:
Problem: Low literacy rates among U.S.fourth graders (31% proficient). disparities in book access for children in low-income neighborhoods.
Solution: “If You give a Child a Book” campaign providing diverse books to students in the Tri-State area.
Partners: WCPO 9 and the Scripps Howard Fund.
Impact: Allows students to choose books they enjoy, builds home libraries, supports early literacy, and aims to improve academic achievement.
Schools Benefiting: glen O. Swing Elementary (covington, KY), Lincoln Heights Elementary School, Oyler school, Lincoln Elementary, John G. Carlisle Elementary school, John P. Parker Elementary and Rothenberg Preparatory Academy.
Donation Facts: Campaign runs until September 5th.Donations on September 3rd will be matched. donate at https://www.wcpo.com/giveabook.