What the Hell Did I Just Read

Free Florida Reading Program Expands Eligibility to VPK Students Just in Time for Back-to-School Season

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
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TAMPA, Fla. and ORLANDO, Fla., July 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the school year begins for millions of students across Florida, the UF Lastinger Center for Learning's New Worlds Reading program is continuing its commitment to boost literacy rates by expanding program eligibility to Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students.

Key Points: 
  • The New Worlds Reading Initiative will continue to support Florida families and children by delivering free books and reading resources directly to VPK-5th grade students this school year!
  • TAMPA, Fla. and ORLANDO, Fla., July 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the school year begins for millions of students across Florida, the UF Lastinger Center for Learning's New Worlds Reading program is continuing its commitment to boost literacy rates by expanding program eligibility to Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students.
  • In Florida, there are more than 861,000 eligible VPK-5th grade students not yet reading on grade level.
  • "We're thrilled that New Worlds Reading has grown to support even more Florida kids," said Dr. Shaunté Duggins, Associate Director for the New Worlds Reading Initiative.

Free Florida Reading Program Partners with Local Fifth Grader and Inspiring Professionals to Boost State Literacy Rates

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
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TAMPA, Fla. and ORLANDO, Fla., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to boost the state's literacy rates and encourage kids to explore their passions, this National Reading Month, the New Worlds Reading Initiative is giving Florida families an inside look—through the lens of one curious fifth grader—into how reading catalyzed three local professionals to follow their dreams. 

Key Points: 
  • A first-of-its-kind statewide literacy program, New Worlds Reading received bipartisan support in the Florida legislature and was created to tackle this issue by delivering free books and reading activities directly to the doorsteps of eligible K-5th grade students.
  • Since the launch of New Worlds Reading in October 2021, the program has shipped more than two million books.
  • Launching this month, the New Worlds Reading 'Reading Shapes Passions' series follows 10-year-old Saoirse Elizabeth from Tampa as she interviews three Florida professionals and provides an inside look into the roles reading played in their career paths.
  • "I am so excited to partner with New Worlds Reading for the 'Reading Shapes Passions' series to motivate Florida students," said Misner.