Juno Beach, FL – On January 31, in honor of Celebrate Literacy Week, The UF Lastinger Center for Learning is honoring Florida Power and Light (FPL) at their Juno Beach headquarters as the inaugural New Worlds Reading Literacy Champion for FPL’s support of literacy and the New Worlds Reading Initiative.
“At FPL, we are so pleased to support this program, which aims to make a difference in the lives of our students by providing them with books at an early age, opening the doors to a lifetime of learning,” said Pam Rauch FPL vice president of external affairs and economic development. “We are committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators in our state, and this program gives children a great start.”
Beyond their financial support, FPL invited New Worlds Reading to join in the fun at ManateeFest on February 1 at the Manatee Lagoon Center. As 10 thousand attendees celebrated manatees, New Worlds Reading team members and children’s book icon, Clifford the Big Red Dog were on hand to promote the program and share a love of reading.
Through ManateeFest and other community engagement activities, FPL and New Worlds Reading have teamed up to reach over 22 thousand Floridians and promote a love of reading.
FPL’s support of New Worlds Reading has helped ship more than eight million books to Florida VPK – 5th graders who are not yet reading on grade level. “We’re grateful for FPL’s unwavering support of New Worlds Reading,” said Dr. Shaunté Duggins, director of state initiatives for the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, “Together, we are empowering Florida’s next generation of readers to strengthen literacy skills and uncover a love of books.”
UF Lastinger Center names FPL the inaugural New Worlds Reading Literacy Champion. Pictured left to right: Phil Poekert, director of the UF Lastinger Center for Learning; David Bryant, development director for New Worlds Reading; Pam Rauch, vice president of external affairs for FPL; Kate Cotner, director of community engagement for FPL; Robin Gregory, assistant director for New Worlds Reading; Jim Burke, executive director of advancement for the UF College of Education; Jessica Long, sr. director of advancement for New Worlds Reading.
Friends of Manatee Lagoon board members team up with Clifford the Big Red Dog to celebrate reading. Left to right: Nika Ciarfella, community leader; Clifford the Big Red Dog, reading advocate; Pam Rauch, vice president of external affairs for FPL; Kate Cotner, director of community engagement for FPL
About New Worlds Reading:
New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home program that helps eligible VPK – 5th graders strengthen literacy skills and spark a lifelong love of reading. Enrolled children receive nine free books that they choose each school year through fifth grade, along with reading activities and resources families can use to help build kids’ reading skills. Books and materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. New Worlds Reading is administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Book titles are selected in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Scholastic.
Families interested in receiving books and reading activities from New Worlds Reading can apply at www.newworldsreading.com.
Florida companies interested in earning dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to support the state’s young readers can learn more at www.newworldsreading.com/fl/en/donations.html.