Champions are Readers

Champions are Readers® (CAR) is Pi Beta Phi’s unique reading enrichment program for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. Since its launch in 2003, thousands of students across the United States and Canada have participated in the program. Designed to create an interactive reading and mentoring relationship between Pi Phis and children from their local communities, CAR engages students in a positive reading experience and accommodates varying academic needs. 

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Champions are Readers FAQs

Like all Read > Lead > Achieve® initiatives, CAR is designed to support students in need. Consider choosing a school or organization—such as a Boys and Girls Club—in a historically marginalized community. Research local schools or after-school programs close to your campus or in your community. Then, contact an administrator or program leader to see if they would be interested in bringing CAR to their students. 

Thanks to a grant from Pi Beta Phi Foundation, all CAR supplies—including implementation materials, student activities folders, certificates and books—are provided to participating chapters and alumnae clubs at no charge.  

Chapters and clubs are responsible only for shipping and handling costs. 

Collaborate with the teacher or program administrator to determine which of the provided activities will be most beneficial. These professionals are the experts on the unique needs of their students, and CAR activities are designed to address various competencies and standards. The activities are not designed to be graded, but rather used as practice and empowerment. Upon completion, the activities can be placed in the student’s folder as a portfolio of their work. 

Questions related to the CAR program can be directed to Pi Beta Phi Headquarters at literacy@pibetaphi.org. 
The Champions are Readers Program is funded through generous gifts to The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation and its support of Pi Phi's Read > Lead > Achieve initiatives, visit pibetaphi.org/foundation.  

We believe in the power of reading

For more than a century, we've worked to inspire a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential, creating a more literate and productive society. Today, Pi Phis participate, donate and advocate for literacy through our Read > Lead > Achieve® reading initiatives — just as our sisters first did in 1912. 

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