RAPID CITY, S.D. — United Way of the Black Hills is once again encouraging residents across the region to make reading a priority through its annual Race to Read Challenge, which began Jan. 11 and runs through March 2.
The challenge is part of the organization’s Black Hills Reads initiative and invites South Dakota residents of all ages to participate. Schools, classrooms, community organizations, libraries, businesses, families and individuals are all encouraged to join.
“Race to Read aims to get everyone excited about reading,” said Lisa Stanley, early education project manager for United Way of the Black Hills. “One of the best ways for children to be engaged in meaningful reading practices is to see the adults in their lives prioritize reading.”
Black Hills Reads was created as a Campaign for Grade-Level Reading initiative to address access to quality early childhood education in the Black Hills. The program focuses on helping students read on grade level by third grade, a key milestone linked to long-term academic success.
“Research proves that the best way to increase a young person’s academic success is by getting them excited about reading,” Stanley said. “Books are one of the best ways to explore our world and open our eyes to new ones.”
United Way of the Black Hills views early literacy as a critical investment in the region’s future. Stanley said supporting early education benefits the entire community by helping build a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce.
“By investing in early childhood education, our whole community thrives,” she said. “If we want the best and brightest people in our community, everyone deserves the opportunity for a quality education.”
As part of this year’s Race to Read Challenge, six mini grants were awarded to organizations to host reading parties and community events designed to get participants excited about the challenge. Information about those events will be shared through the Black Hills Reads Facebook page.
Resources including the Race to Read flyer, bookmark, tracker, map and promotional graphics are available online. More information about participating in the challenge can be found at unitedwayblackhills.org/race-to-read.
