May 26, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- School is out for summer, but that doesn't mean it is time to put away the books. This summer, area youth can reap the benefits of reading by participating in Bound for Success, a reading program sponsored by Northwestern Athletics and Lou Malnati's. Bound for Success, now in its second year, encourages literacy and academic success by rewarding students in grades K through 8 for reading with prizes ranging from Lou Malnati's Pizza to tickets to select Northwestern Wildcat home games.
The Wildcats' mission to achieve academic excellence is not just for himself or herself, but is extended to the hundreds of children's lives they touch every year through their extensive community involvement. Wildcat student-athletes log over 4,000 hours of community service each year while also boasting 183 Academic All-Big Ten student-athletes and topping the conference in graduation rates each year.
While succeeding in the classroom, the Wildcats also make their marks on the field, most recently with the Wildcat women's lacrosse team earning its fifth-straight national championship over the weekend. By joining outreach programs like Bound for Success, children will have the chance to connect with these role models who can show them what hard work and perseverance can help them accomplish in their own lives.
After just two weeks, the rollout for this year's Bound for Success already has garnished tremendous support from local schools, including more than 4,000 requests for bookmarks in that time.
"The program is a great opportunity for [our school] for many reasons. Of course, we love the reading incentive, but we are also excited about the partnership with a great university," said Sue O'Neil, Principal at Jane Stenson School in Skokie.
In addition to tickets and pizza, area schools that participate this year also will be competing for chances to have student-athletes visit their schools, as well as be recognized at select Wildcat home games.
There is no cost to participate in Bound for Success, and students will have the entire school year to complete their reading for these great rewards. For more information on how to sign up for Bound for Success please email wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu and join our mailing list to find out about other opportunities to earn free tickets through academics this year.
Plus, click here to see how the Wildcat student-athletes have been spending their time in the community the last few years.