‘Real Men Read’ Mentoring Program Offers Literacy Initiative for Youth in Northern California

FRESNO, Calif. - March 25, 2015 - PRLog -- The 'Real Men Read' initiative first began with Jane Adams Elementary last Spring. After adding two more schools to the mentor program last Fall, ‘Real Men Read’ is rapidly expanding while having an ever-changing effect on local youth.

Developed and supported by professional athletes within Northern California communities, the program requires that participants commit one hour of their time, once a month, to read to elementary aged children. The program reinforces three fundamental principles: reading is fun, the community cares, and a commitment to education can ensure success.

“We want to use our position as professional athletes and role models to promote the virtues of reading, books, and education in general,” says J.Douglas Hollie, Chairman of the chapter and a former Seattle Seahawks player.

As noted by the National Science of Education, students who reported reading more frequently for fun have higher reading proficiency scores than those who reported reading less frequently. Interestingly, a positive correlation also exists between the amount of time children read for pleasure and their math and science achievement. The program aims to address these issues head on through the support of over a dozen NFL players.

“Most kids, especially young boys, love to emulate their heroes, and what better message to pass on to the youth than the importance of literacy in their lives, and the lives of their families and respective communities.” states Vice Chairman, Honor Jackson; a former New York Patriots defensive back.

The athletes will be visiting five elementary schools while representing three school districts in the Fresno area and one in the Bay this Spring that include:

• Fresno Unified School District: Jane Adams Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Woodrow Wilson Elementary

• Central Unified School District: Saroyan Elementary

• Washington Union School District: West Fresno Elementary

• Lafayette School District: Lafayette Elementary in Oakland, CA

The athletes will be presenting a package of books that have been donated by the Theisen/Dueker Financial Group to each school library.

“Reading to young people can help foster life-changing opportunities for them and their families, and this is what the program aims to do,” comments Courtney Griffin, the Board of Directors Trustee for the Northern California Players Charities.

‘Real Men Read’ is co-sponsored by Northern California Players Charities (NorCalPC) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) with the goal to spark a love and appreciation for reading that young people will carry with them during their life journey by promoting literacy. Mentorships and sponsorships opportunities are available; those interested can contact NorCalPC directly.

For media inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact Board of Directors Trustee, Courtney Griffin at 559-909-4649 or via email at media@norcalpc.org. To learn more about the ‘Real Men Read’ mentoring program, please visit: www.norcalpc.org.