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Over the last week, 134 schools across Los Angeles County have taken on the challenge of encouraging their students to read millions of words outside of school. 

These Literacy Champions are joining us in increasing literacy rates among our students. Together, we are creating a legacy of avid readers and critical thinkers amidst a changing global economy and society. 

Today, February 1, 2012, the Million Word Challenge officially kicked off at Leo Politi Elementary School in Los Angeles. The campaign led by Families In Schools,  is a partnership between education, business, and community leaders. Brad Rumble, Principal at Leo Politi Elementary School, shares the importance of literacy and the Million Word Challenge:   

The 2012 Million Word Challenge is a literacy campaign that encourages preschool – 12th grade students to read millions of words outside of school time. Each year, 200,000 students in over 300 schools participate in the Million Word Challenge and explore the joy of reading. At the annual campaign’s culmination in April, each participating school will select one student winner to receive a $50 gift certificate to purchase books of their very own. 

How Can a School/Agency Participate?

• Register your school/agency online at www.millionwordchallenge.org today.  The Campaign  launches on February 1, 2012.  There are limited spaces available so schools/agencies will be registered on a first-come, first-serve basis.    
• Implement the challenge in your school/agency following the guidelines. Schools/Agencies will have access to an online handbook to help with implementation.       
• Submit the name of your school/agency’s Million Word Challenge Winner by logging back onto www.millionwordchallenge.org in April 2012.     
• Each student winner receives a $50 gift certificate to purchase books at the Target Book Store at Festival of Books, which will take place at USC April 21 – 22, 2012. Students unable to attend Festival of Books will be able to use their gift card to purchase books at any Target store.    

For additional information, please contact

Colin Meng at (213) 201-3907 or at

ctmeng@familiesinschools.org