DALLAS – In Texas, nearly 40% of fourth-grade students cannot read at even a basic level. Just 30% are considered proficient. These statistics are critical. Illiteracy costs our nation's health care system hundreds of billions of dollars per year and indicates future rates of poverty and crime. But, in partnership with Coaching for Literacy, the SMU basketball team hopes to change those statistics in North Texas through its seventh annual #Fight4Literacy event presented by International Paper, set for Jan. 10-16, 2022. The event will center on SMU's #Fight4Literacy game versus the University of South Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 12.

"Since co-founder Jonathan Wilfong played for us, Coaching for Literacy has been a cause close to the Mustangs," said Coach Jankovich, head coach at SMU. "Jonathan played with heart, but his efforts to make life better for kids across the country by helping them learn to read really shows his character. That character is exactly what we strive to instill in our players and in the SMU community. We look forward to this partnership every year."

 During the week centering on SMU's game against South Florida, fans can help raise funds to improve literacy in North Texas by supporting participating businesses. From Jan. 10 to 16, Corner Bakery, Original Chop Shop - Park Cities and Torchy's Tacos will raise awareness about the issue of illiteracy and donate a portion of their sales to Readers 2 Leaders, which supports literacy efforts to elementary school students in Dallas. This is the eighth season SMU has partnered with CFL in the #Fight4Literacy. In partnership with Veritex Bank and Readers 2 Leaders (readers2leaders.org), proceeds raised from the event go towards funding of effective literacy programs focused on elementary and middle school students.

During the Jan. 12 game against South Florida, SMU's Coach Jankovich and his staff will wear green lapel pins and wristbands to raise awareness for literacy. Fans are invited to make a donation in support of local programs. One hundred percent of funds generated at the game will stay in North Texas through a grant partnership with Readers 2 Leaders. Since 2013, Coaching for Literacy has granted more than $730,000 to local literacy partners to fund initiatives like mentoring, after-school programs and providing age-appropriate books for children.

As the presenting partner of the #Fight4Literacy, International Paper has guaranteed a minimum donation of $10,000 to the North Texas community. The company will also match local donations up to $5,000. Last year, the SMU #Fight4Literacy game raised $16,241 for local literacy efforts.

"#Fight4Literacy presented by International Paper is truly a movement," said Carleen O'Reilly, executive director of Coaching for Literacy. "We know how crucial it is for young kids to learn to read, and active, committed partners like SMU and Readers 2 Leaders are an important piece of that puzzle. But anyone can fight for literacy, and this partnership really helps bring the issue front and center in the North Texas community and among SMU basketball fans. We hope it creates a long-term impact."

A final fundraising total will be announced at the end of the season, when grants will be delivered to Coaching for Literacy's local partners. For more information about Coaching for Literacy or the #Fight4Literacy, visit coachingforliteracy.org.
 
About Coaching for Literacy
Founded in 2013 by two high school students, Coaching for Literacy aims to raise awareness of and support solutions to the widespread problem of illiteracy. Using the power and influence of sports, the organization partners with teams across the country to host #Fight4Literacy games, which raise funds for grants to literacy-focused programs in their communities. Coaching for Literacy operates on the core belief that literacy is a fundamental right of every individual. For more information, visit CoachingforLiteracy.org.