Scholastic, Members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, and Abbott Elementary Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Celebrate Expansion of the United States of Readers Literacy Program Across Pennsylvania

Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, today teamed up with members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature to celebrate the expansion of the United States of Readers^® literacy program into the state. The occasion was marked by a special event in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State House in Harrisburg, and featured remarks from Emmy^® Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary).

Founded by Scholastic and co-created with classroom teachers, the United States of Readers is a first-of-its-kind literacy program that aims to bridge the gap of literacy and book inequity—specifically in high Title I schools and rural areas where students have little or no opportunity to choose books they are motivated to read—and build their home libraries. The program features a curated selection of grade-level appropriate books for students to choose and own and currently provides free books to nearly 3,500 Pre-K-8th grade students attending Title I schools in five Pennsylvania school districts: School District of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh School District, Pittston Area School District, Riverside School District, and the School District for the City of York.

“Year after year, literacy assessments capture how our schools cannot bridge the literacy gaps on their own. The mission of the United States of Readers program is for every child to choose and own their books and feel happy and empowered about reading,” said Judy Newman, Scholastic’s Chief Impact Officer. “We are thrilled to celebrate the expansion of this program into Pennsylvania, where Scholastic was founded over100 years ago, with members of the State Legislature and fierce education advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph. We hope these districts will be a model for others across the country, so every child can reap the benefits of choosing their own books and developing their reading proficiency and self-confidence as readers.”

According to research from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™, over 90% of children agree that their favorite books, and the ones they are more likely to finish, are the ones they have chosen themselves. Pennsylvania students participating in the United States of Readers program will choose ten new books to add to their at-home libraries at no cost to families, beginning this spring and continuing into the next school year. In addition, teachers at participating schools will each receive 25 books for their classroom library, further expanding book choice and access for the entire school community.

“As we continue to address the adolescent reading crisis we’re seeing across the country, I’m happy to celebrate Scholastic’s United States of Readers program alongside my wife, Sheryl Lee Ralph, to support literacy in elementary schools,” said Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “I’ve seen firsthand the power of reading and how it supports confidence and upward mobility for students. Today’s statewide celebration is a great example of the power we all have to make a difference, especially in the lives of young people. When we work together, with partners like Scholastic, and as a community, we can make a lasting impact.”

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an Emmy Award-winning actress known for her infectious positivity and a career that’s spanned nearly four decades. She stars as educator Barbara Howard on ABC’s smash hit comedy series Abbott Elementary. Her passion for education led her to take on her Abbott Elementary role and is why she joined today’s event to address students and bring awareness to the importance of a strong public education and the struggles of inner-city schools. The students attending the event each received two free books from Scholastic to celebrate the statewide expansion: A Day at Abbott Elementary, and The Official Abbott Elementary Coloring Book.

“As my character, kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard would say, ‘You must get things done,’ and that is exactly what the State Legislature and Scholastic are doing by bringing this program to Pennsylvania,” said Ralph. “Literacy is critically important to our students and a powerful tool to open doors and pave the way for a successful future. It is wonderful to be here to support today’s event and I cannot think of a better way for Abbott Elementary to play a meaningful role in supporting education for students, teachers, and our communities—right here in Pennsylvania.”

Pennsylvania is the second state to launch the United States of Readers, following the Massachusetts launch in October 2024 and Scholastic’s two-year pilot program, which began in 2021 and was funded by bestselling author James Patterson. The pilot program served 45,000 students in 2,200 classrooms in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C. The program is supported through state funding, foundations, and private philanthropy contributions. Initial state funding was allocated by the State Legislature in the Fiscal Year (FY 25) budget, with the goal of expanding the program in the future to more schools in Pennsylvania and across the United States. 

“As a former teacher, I know firsthand that reading can be fun and inspirational for our students—especially when they have the power to choose their own books,” said State Representative Jordan A. Harris (D-Philadelphia County). “Since introducing this special literacy program in some of our Title I schools, we have witnessed the positive development for students and teachers. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to make the United States of Readers available for more school districts across Pennsylvania in the future.”

“Reading is fundamental, and we need it in life to succeed,” said State Representative Jim Haddock (D-Pittston Township). “When this program was introduced in my district at the Riverside Elementary Schools in Lackawanna County, I witnessed firsthand the energy and excitement of the students and teachers who get to pick books of their choice for Scholastic’s United States of Readers program. The youth of today will be our future doctors, teachers and businesspeople and supporting literacy is fundamental to their success. I am grateful that we were able to include funding in the state budget to make this program possible and look forward to bringing this program to more schools to replicate its success.”

“We are working hard to improve Pennsylvania’s public school system and introducing the United States of Readers program is a pivotal way to support literacy and set our students up for success,” said State Representative Carol Hill-Evans (D-York County). “Understanding it takes incredible effort to make meaningful changes to address inequities in education, I am confident that Scholastic’s program will empower students and help them discover the joys of reading. We look forward to not only seeing the positive impact in our classrooms but also finding ways to expand this opportunity to more students in York County and across the state.”

“The United States of Readers is an excellent tool to create a stronger learning environment for our students,” said State Representative Jessica Benham (D-Alleghany). “We are thrilled that Pennsylvania is the second state in the country to allocate state funding for this program to empower students to choose their own books and help teachers fill their classrooms with 25 new books. Today’s event is an important celebration to make our progress, and we look forward to expanding this opportunity to more students in the future.”

“Pennsylvania’s schools have a profound impact on their communities, and Scholastic’s United States of Readers program builds on that impact by providing free access to books for learners across Pennsylvania,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “As a lifelong educator, I know firsthand the importance of expanding access to reading, and I look forward to seeing this program reach more students and teachers, while complementing the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to educators, students, and the families we serve"

“Pennsylvania students deserve nothing but the best available education, and Scholastic’s United States of Readers program offers a valuable tool to promote literacy through a proven, innovative model,” said Senator Patty Kim (D-Harrisburg). “Many of our Title I schools are struggling for resources and the Legislature has an opportunity to elevate our students by expanding funding for this program to reach more schools statewide and I am pleased to offer my support"

To learn more about Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, visit the Company’s Newsroom: scholastic.com/newsroom.

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