So what is Rewards for Reading?

The basic concept is simple: The children read a book, they take a test to demonstrate that they comprehended what they read, if they pass they get a ticket that goes into a drawing for prizes. The more books they read, the more chances they have to win. And best of all, it works. For the 2021-2022 school year, the schools we serve saw a 22% increase in million word readers and a 127% increase in engaged reading minutes. That was with only promising 4 bikes per school!

How can you help?

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)3 foundation so that we can increase the prize pool per school. Please click on the button below to go to PayPal and make a secure donation.

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Rewards for Reading

The program partners with the Lafayette Parish Public School System, 12 middle schools, and 24 of its elementary schools. Students earn points through the Accelerated Reader (AR) program, and those who meet or exceed their AR goals receive raffle tickets for prizes. These prizes include bicycles, scooters, and goodie bags. The program aims to motivate students to read more and improve their literacy skills.

The program was inspired by the Dawn Busters Kiwanis in Metairie, LA, which had implemented a similar initiative in 2006. The success of their program demonstrated how offering rewards to young students for their reading achievements could positively impact their educational outcomes​.

The Kiwanis Club of Lafayette kickstarted their Rewards for Reading program with a $2500 grant from Home Bank and an additional $1,000 from Postlethwaite & Netterville CPA’s. This financial backing, combined with significant contributions from Kiwanis members, provided the necessary resources to launch the program.