CEO’s Went Back to School to Improve Literacy

The moral of the story is clearly stated, “Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes from seeing the whole.”

You may find Ed Young’s message in the “Seven Blind Mice” even more insightful as you learn more about another story.

One balmy weekday morning not long ago, 86 of our region’s top business executives woke up and decided to spend some time making an investment in our future.

So they marched out of the boardroom, hopped aboard a yellow school bus, and dashed right into the classroom.

November 29th marked the 3rd Annual “Read to Me” Early Literacy Program, with CEOs reading Ed Young’s book to over 2,000 students in pre-K and kindergarten classes in 15 schools throughout the Philadelphia School District.

The goal: to promote the importance of early childhood literacy & regularly reading aloud to young children.

The event is symbolic of the business community’s tangible commitment to continue providing collections of quality books, workshops and training – for teachers and parents – to create a lasting impression on young students and their families.

Their involvement is meant to draw attention to the value of reading to youngsters and to encourage other adults to do the same.

Studies show that children who are read to at an early age become more literate.  As a result, they have a greater chance for later school success, because reading is the fundamental skill on which further academic attainment is built. 

Sponsored by Bank of America, and with the support of Endo Pharmaceuticals, Lockheed Martin, UPS and Wal-Mart, the program grew by 30% from last year, resulting in the inclusion of an additional three schools.

“Not only is Bank of America proud to have sponsored such a beneficial program, but it was very gratifying to see so many executives in the region showing their support and utmost dedication for Read to Me,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, President, Bank of America, PA and chairman of Read to Me. “It was most rewarding, however, to see the sheer delight in the schoolchildren as they excitedly followed along as we read aloud. I’m glad that I could share my love of reading with them, and I hope they will share that love with their parents, caregivers and siblings.”

Chamber President & CEO Mark Schweiker added, “The Chamber, Bank of America and all of the other program sponsors are committed to ensuring that Philadelphia school children have access to opportunity. Literacy is the key to opening the doors… and when children develop a love of reading, the realization of what they can aspire to and achieve becomes limitless.”

Among the dozens of readers joining Fitzpatrick and Schweiker were School District officials Paul Vallas and Gregory Thornton, Ed.D. 

Over 95 corporations throughout the region made financial contributions to this year’s program – and many of the CEOs from these same companies were among the readers who sat in a circle in a Philadelphia school surrounded by four- and five-year-olds who were waiting to hear how the story would end.

As we eagerly await the next “Read to Me” chapter, we anticipate continued growth and wish for other C-level executives to join this remedial activity next year.

It’s never too late – or too soon – to get on board. Donations of time and money (for more books) are always welcome.

For more information, contact Tara Quay at 215-790-3732 or email tquay@greaterphilachamber.com.