Washington, D.C. – February 28, 2017 – Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and actor, director, author and lifelong literacy advocate, LeVar Burton are teaming up to inspire the next generation of readers during National Reading Month. RIF will present the 2017 RIF Literacy Champion Award to LeVar at the Championing Children’s Literacy event on February 28th in honor of his incredible work to engage all children in the power of literacy. RIF’s Literacy Champion Award recognizes the remarkable contributions of individuals in the field of children’s literacy and the advancement of RIF’s mission.

“RIF is committed to creating collaborative relationships with advocates who share our goal of ensuring all children have access to the fundamental building blocks they need to succeed,” said Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental. “We are thrilled to honor LeVar for his innovative work in the field of literacy and the impact he continues to have on children across the country.”

"It is a great pleasure to be partnering with RIF to drive awareness for childhood literacy,” said LeVar Burton. “Six out of 10 low-income families have no age-appropriate books in their homes. Providing these children with the resource they need and inspiring a love of learning has never been more important. I am passionate about engaging these young readers and will continue to work towards our shared vision of literacy for every child, everywhere."

LeVar and RIF will kick off National Reading Month at a book distribution event at Tyler Elementary School in Washington, D.C. on March 1st where LeVar will read his children’s book, The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm. RIF and LeVar are also partnering with the National Education Association (NEA) to distribute 450 books to children in D.C. on Read Across America Day on March 2nd. Both LeVar and Alicia Levi will discuss the need to address the literacy crisis along with the importance of access to and choice of diverse reading material at the NEA’s Roundtable on Literacy in the United States later that day.

About Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is committed to a literate America by inspiring a passion for reading among all children, providing quality content to create impact, and engaging communities in the solution to give every child the fundamentals for success. As a champion for children’s literacy since 1966, RIF has provided more than 412 million books to 40 million RIF kids over 50 years, inspiring generations to read, learn and grow. Sign up for our newsletter at www.rif.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to learn more.