Jumpstart’s Record-breaking Campaign Brings Attention to Early Education Crisis
NEW YORK, NY (OCTOBER 2, 2013) – Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, presented in partnership with the Pearson Foundation, will take place in schools, libraries, offices, and homes across the country on October 3, 2013, a day in which millions of young people and adults will come together to read the children’s book Otis. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is an annual reading celebration that highlights the need for quality early education in America by mobilizing adults and children to set a record for the largest shared reading experience.
Jumpstart will officially kick off the event on October 2, by ceremoniously lighting the Empire State Building in “Jumpstart red” with campaign ambassador and star of USA’s White Collar, Tiffani Thiessen. On October 3, Thiessen will also be featured on NBC’s TODAY Show, following which she and Otis author Loren Long will head to a Jumpstart preschool in the Lower East Side to read the campaign book with children in attendance.
“As a mother and an avid reader, my hopes for Jumpstart are high. I want every child in America reading every day. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is another way to raise awareness of the importance of reading and the importance of providing high-quality early education to our children,” said Thiessen. “I hope parents across the country can join me and pledge to read with their children on October 3.”
Jumpstart will host several large scale events on October 3 in cities and towns across the country with marquee events in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. In addition, many of Jumpstart’s campaign Reading Partners and sponsors will be hosting events. Gymboree will host events in every Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Crazy 8, and Gymboree Play & Music location across the country. Tommy Hilfiger will host reading events in New York City while Franklin Templeton Investments will host six events across the country. Additionally, official Reading Partner, We Give Books will have Otis available to read online for free in both English and Spanish at www.wegivebooks.org.
”Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a meaningful way for Americans to support the critical need for high-quality early education in our country,” said Jumpstart’s president and CEO, Naila Bolus. “We know that for children living in low-income communities, this need is significant. By the time these children enter kindergarten, they are already 60% behind their more affluent peers. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record brings light to this national issue and gives citizens a platform to voice their support for this cause.”
“A high-quality early education is an essential first step for every child, and Jumpstart ensures that children in the low income communities it serves have the best chance possible to begin school ready to learn,” said Mark Nieker, President and CEO, Pearson Foundation. “Together with Penguin, we are looking forward to our eighth year organizing, supporting, and taking part in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record—and in the process to drawing attention to all Jumpstart does year-round in classrooms across the United States. We’re particularly pleased that Loren Long, who was part of our first Read for the Record celebration in 2006, is such an essential part of this year’s campaign. ”
For more information on Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, please contact Joy Errico Seusing at joy.errico@jstart.org or 857.413.4537.
Since the campaign’s inception in 2006, more than nine million people have joined local Jumpstart’s Read for the Record reading celebrations; Jumpstart has raised more than $8 million to support its year-round work in preschools in low-income neighborhoods.
PRESS CONTACT
Joy Errico Seusing
857.413.4537
joy.errico@jstart.org
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ABOUT JUMPSTART
Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart delivers a research-based and cost-effective program by training college students and community volunteers to serve preschool-age children in low-income neighborhoods. Through a proven curriculum, these children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for school, setting them on a path for lifelong success. Jumpstart is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Learn more at jstart.org. Learn more about Jumpstart’s Read for the Record at jstart.org/readfortherecord.
ABOUT THE PEARSON FOUNDATION
The Pearson Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to make a difference by promoting literacy, learning and great teaching. The Pearson Foundation collaborates with leading businesses, nonprofits and education experts to share good practice; foster innovation; and find workable solutions to the educational disadvantages facing young people and adults across the globe. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.
ABOUT PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUP
Penguin Young Readers Group includes such preeminent imprints as Dial Books, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Philomel, Puffin, Speak, Firebird, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Razorbill, Viking, and Frederick Warne. These imprints are home to such award-winning, New York Times bestselling authors as Laurie Halse Anderson, Jay Asher, Judy Blume, Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Roald Dahl, Tomie dePaola, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Eric Hill, Anthony Horowitz, Brian Jacques, Mike Lupica, Richard Peck, Patricia Polacco, and dozens of other popular authors. Penguin Young Readers Group is also the proud publisher of perennial brand franchises such as The Little Engine That Could, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series, Peter Rabbit, Spot, the Classic Winnie the Pooh, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Strega Nona, Madeline, Mad Libs, Alex Rider, the Rangers Apprentice, Skippyjon Jones, Flower Fairies, and Pippi Longstocking, among many others. Penguin Young Readers Group is part of Penguin Group (USA), one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, and a member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group.
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