The BOOK IT! program is still looking good for it’s age! At 32 years old the program enjoys the distinction of being the longest running corporate-supported literacy initiative in the nation and from day one BOOK IT! has remained committed to helping foster the love of reading in children via partnerships with schools all over the country.
This year to celebrate 32 years in operation and more than 64 million student participants over the years, they are introducing Page Turner Grants to support individuals and organizations committed to promoting literacy and reading in their communities. Through the Page Turner Grant Program, BOOK IT! will award $50,000 in grants to a select number of applicants who are enabling access to books, empowering teachers or inspiring readers.
“It’s vitally important for Pizza Hut to continue to make an impact in the local communities that we serve,” said Doug Terfehr, Senior Director, Social Impact at Pizza Hut. “The Page Turner Grant program is an opportunity to celebrate and support those who are taking the time to help people become their best through literacy and reading. Whether fostering book ownership, providing resources for teachers or helping students find the joy in reading, we are thrilled to provide this opportunity in our ongoing commitment to literacy.”
Do you know any everyday literacy heroes who fit the above description? If so click here to fill out the grant application. After you finish that, the BOOK IT! team has another treat for program participants. They’ve teamed up with Candlewick Press and Listening Library to offer FREE e-book and audiobook downloads specifically chosen for BOOK IT! kids.
Beginning September 26, 2016 parents can download free Kindle copies of Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo and Maisy Goes to the Library by Lucy Cousins. Running short on time and need an on the go option? Well, you’re in luck because an audiobook version of Mercy Watson to the Rescue is also available for download from Audible!
The BOOK IT! Program and Page Turner Grants are part of Pizza Hut: The Literacy Project, a broader commitment to literacy and reading announced earlier this fall. The goal of The Literacy Project is to impact 100 million people by enabling access to books and educational resources, empowering teachers and inspiring a lifelong love of reading.