October 8, 2009
Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott today kicked off the 2009-10 Real Men Read program, telling hundreds of MENtors that their volunteer efforts on behalf of literacy will also provide positive male role models for Chicago Public Schools children throughout the city.
Real Men Read is entering its fourth season in CPS schools. Under the initiative, volunteer MENtors go to assigned schools and classrooms once a month to read to and/or discuss pre-selected books with children.
In addition to encouraging literacy, Real Men Read seeks to demonstrate to children in kindergarten, second, fifth and seventh grades that “real men value learning and knowledge, and that real men love to read,” according to Scott.
“This program is so valuable on so many levels,” Scott said. “Real Men Read is about literacy. But it is also about engaging children in a setting where our MENtors can talk about who they are and how they have achieved their position in life.”
Real Men Read MENtors come from all walks of life, Scott said. Doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, public safety workers and tradesmen have all volunteered their time since the program was begun several years ago.
Real Men Read first was launched in January 2007 with 39 schools serving 8,000 students, mostly in Lawndale and Engelwood. About 300 MENtors were involved at the time.
This year, the program will serve some 24,000 youths in 106 schools, More than 750 MENtors are expected to participate.
“That one hour per month is so valuable in so many ways,” Scott said. “Your mere presence as a reader and role model will provide testimony to children that a life of knowledge and achievement is the proper path to pursue, not the life of the streets,” Scott said.
The program relies heavily on partnerships and sponsors to help support its work. The Chicago Yacht Club, which also sponsored the reception, is donating the book “Solo Sailing” for all 6,000 fifth graders in Real Men Read.
Pearson Foundation is a supporter of Real Men Read and will be providing books for all MENtors and the 24,000 students in program for the month of November. The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic and business organizations to provide financial, organizational and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities.
Volunteer opportunities for men willing to participate in Real Men Read are still available. Further information is available by calling (773) 553-1592.
About CPS
Chicago Public Schools serves approximately 407,000 students in 666 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.