Event on Friday Promotes Literacy, Higher Education

WHO: Sixth graders from John Walton Spencer School No. 16 join members of the University of Rochester's athletic teams as a part of the Read: Hope in Action program.

TIME/DATE/PLACE: 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 15, on the University's River Campus.

ABOUT READ: HOPE IN ACTION: The University of Rochester joined The READ: Hope in Action program last fall when it participated in The Giant Read, which brought more than 40 Yellowjacket athletes to School #16 to read and interact with students there. Created by the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2007, the programs are designed to promote literacy among students and provide young children with role models. Last fall, the program was expanded to include other local colleges and universities, thanks to a grant from the John F. Wegman Fund.

While on-campus Friday, the sixth grade students will first head to the library for activities focused on promoting literacy. Next, students will be led on a campus tour, followed by lunch at a campus dining center. From noon to 1:30 p.m., students will spend the remainder of the afternoon playing soccer, basketball, and kickball at the Goergen Athletic Center with Rochester's student-athletes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Media interested in covering the afternoon activities should call Melissa Greco Lopes at 585.260.6666 or email mgrecolo@ur.rochester.edu.