Local Athens businesses collaborate to enhance literacy standards in neighboring schools

In the heart of Athens, Georgia, a unique partnership is brewing change for the better. Local businesses, led by Creature Comforts Brewing Company, are teaming up with the nonprofit organisation Books for Keeps to help students improve their reading skills. This initiative, known as 'Get Comfortable', is supported by over 40 area businesses, including ATHENS State Bank and Chase Bank.

The programme, which initially focused on Howard B. Stroud Elementary School, is expanding to Fowler Drive Elementary, reaching more Clarke County students. Second-grade teacher Lauren Benbrook at Stroud Elementary School has observed the benefits of the program firsthand. Benbrook emphasises the importance of early intervention for closing reading gaps, a sentiment echoed by UGA researchers who are tracking the program's success.

The programme matches students with reading mentors from local businesses and Books for Keeps. Each student receives a dozen books each summer, helping to prevent summer learning loss, often referred to as the "summer slide." During the school year, these second graders also meet twice a week with their reading mentors.

Dr. Jennifer Scott, Interim Superintendent of the Clarke County School District, states that literacy involves listening, thinking, writing, and reading. She praises the community for redefining what it means to brew change, with members like Creature Comforts Brewing Company leading the way.

Stevens, at Creature Comforts Brewing Company, expresses the reward of seeing students who were struggling with reading make progress. The programme's data is promising, showing between two and three times the literacy gains in the participating schools compared to their controlled counterparts.

As the University of Georgia prepares for its season opener, the next great team victory in Athens might just be found in the pages of a good book. The community's commitment to literacy is truly inspiring, and it serves as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of our young students. Educators encourage families to support reading habits at home through reading aloud, listening to audiobooks, or reading nightly.

In the end, the success of this initiative lies in the hands of the community. By working together, Athens is setting an example for what can be achieved when businesses, schools, and families come together to support education.

Local Athens businesses collaborate to enhance literacy standards in neighboring schools