Madison Reporter

A collaboration between the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and the University of Wisconsin (UW) Athletics is fostering a love for reading among second graders. Each week, UW-Madison student-athletes visit Community Schools to serve as reading role models for young students.

The initiative began on September 16 at Lake View Elementary School. During this event, students read alongside ten student-athletes and were gifted their own books, courtesy of UW Athletics. The partnership also includes special access to UW Athletic events and merchandise throughout the year.

Adam Clausen, MMSD's Director of Engagement, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, expressed that this partnership connects community schools with the opportunities offered by UW Athletics. He emphasized the importance of reading for future success: “It’s a unique opportunity for our students to connect with these student-athletes and see what’s possible when you work hard in all areas of life,” Clausen said. “It gives young students the ability to see where the joy and excitement of literacy and learning can take you.”

This summer saw the launch of MMSD's "Mad for Reading" initiative citywide, which underscores literacy as essential for understanding and engaging with the world.