First Book and Pearson Encourage America to #ReadUP: A Non-Partisan Call-to-Action for Education and Literacy

Campaign will unlock funds for new books to children in need

WASHINGTON, DC, November 1, 2016 – First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed more than 150 million books, and Pearson, the world’s learning company, have launched a new campaign dedicated to raising the importance of literacy in the week leading up to Election Day. As the country comes to the final week of the campaign season, First Book and Pearson have issued a nonpartisan, nationwide call-to-action that encourages informed decision-making, and unlocks funding to provide books for kids in need.

For every use of the #ReadUP hashtag through November 8, 2016, First Book will donate a book to a child in need, with funding from Pearson, of up to $10,000.

“Among the many issues discussed in this year’s election season, the importance of an informed electorate has taken center stage,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book president and CEO. “But key to the growth of an educated public is the ability to read and think. Raising the next generation of voters is dependent on the equitable and widespread distribution of books and educational resources. This is the mission to which First Book has dedicated itself for nearly 25 years.”

Jennifer Young, Director of Social Impact Programs at Pearson, said, “Literacy is the foundation for learning. Without literacy, people can’t access education, are more likely to experience poverty, and are unable to participate fully in society. That’s why Pearson founded and convened Project Literacy, a global campaign to close the literacy gap by 2030 – a gap that stands at one out of every tenth person on this planet who is locked out of the opportunities that literacy can bring. Pearson is very proud to be supporting the great work of First Book to help thousands of children start their journey towards a life of literacy and lifelong learning.”

A nonprofit social enterprise, First Book aggregates the voice and purchasing power of educators in classrooms and programs serving children from low-income families, with all resources provided at the lowest possible prices or for free. As a social enterprise, each purchase made on its award-winning ecommerce site, the First Book Marketplace (fbmaketplace.org) also helps First Book provide additional books and educational resources to children in need.

Pearson, the world’s learning company, founded and convened Project Literacy, a global campaign to make significant and sustainable advances in the fight against illiteracy so that all people – regardless of geography, language, race, class, or gender – have the opportunity to fulfill their potential through the power of words. Together, as a community of more than 80 partners to date, the campaign is working to advance best practice, innovate for new solutions, and raise awareness and mobilize action.

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About First Book

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1992 that has distributed more than 150 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada, which, with more than 275,000 members, is the largest and fastest growing network of educators exclusively serving kids in need. By making new, high-quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis, First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education. Eligible educators, librarians, providers, and others serving children in need can sign up at firstbook.org/register. For more information, please visit firstbook.org or follow the latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Pearson’s mission is to help people make progress through access to better learning. Pearson believes that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. For more visit http://www.pearson.com.

About Project Literacy

Project Literacy is a global movement to make significant and sustainable advances in the fight against illiteracy so that all people – regardless of geography, language, race, class, or gender – have the opportunity to fulfill their potential through the power of words. Founded and convened by Pearson, the world’s learning company, Project Literacy brings together a diverse and global cross-section of people and organizations to help unlock the potential of individuals, families and communities everywhere so that by 2030, no child will be born at risk of poor literacy. Visit Project Literacy at: www.projectliteracy.com

Contacts:

Melanie Boyer
First Book
mboyer@firstbook.org
202-639-0144

Scott Overland
Pearson
scott.overland@pearson.com
202-909-4528