Scholastic Providing Books to Michigan's Reading Initiative

Posted on August 26, 1998

In support of America's Promise, a national youth initiative chaired by General Colin Powell, Scholastic Inc., a global children's publishing and media company in both education and entertainment, continues its commitment to literacy by sponsoring R.E.A.D.Y. (Read, Educate and Develop Youth). Michigan, led by Governor John Engler, is the first to launch a state-wide initiative to help ensure that children begin school ready to read and learn.

Scholastic has provided age-appropriate, engaging books for READY, a reading readiness kit, that was developed by the Michigan Department of Education to communicate and address the urgent need for learning to begin at birth. Targeted to parents, the kits will contain important developmental information, materials and activities appropriate for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The initial 15,000 kits will be distributed to parents through hospitals, non-profit organizations and pre-schools.

"When Governor Engler said that the best way to meet tough challenges was to 'Be Bold,' that message was heard loudly and clearly in our New York offices," said Dr. Ernest Fleishman, Senior Vice President for Education, Scholastic Inc. "Scholastic is proud to be part of the READY pilot program, ensuring that every child can read and meet the challenges of the 21st century. We salute Governor Engler's leadership, and look forward to supporting the state-wide roll-out of this exciting program."

Scholastic is a leading publisher of books for children of all ages. The company develops programs and products to serve the needs of our youngest learners, their educators and families. Scholastic produces books and magazines, curriculum and activity programs, videos, software, professional resources and parent involvement materials -- all geared toward early childhood education.