Georgia Reads Day 2024 Recap
Georgia Reads Day 2024 was a resounding success!
Held at the iconic College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta, the inaugural event brought together local students, educators, and literacy leaders for an unforgettable day of celebration and inspiration. With over 100,000 viewers tuning in across Georgia, the impact was felt statewide. We’re already setting the bar higher for Georgia Reads Day 2025—and we can’t wait to exceed expectations once again.
Georgia Reads Community Award
This award is designed to recognize the importance of community approaches that involve meaningful partnerships in achieving literacy goals. An eligible community partnership must have at least two years of documented, meaningful involvement with two or more organizations. This is not a grant for new partnership development but is an award for past partnership achievements. Evaluation criteria will include, but not limited to, the strength and organization of the community partnership, innovation of evidence-based community literacy approaches, sustainability, and measures of success. The award, unlike a grant, will recognize progress already made in literacy improvements in the last two to five years. In 2026, ten communities will be chosen for recognition and a $20,000 award.
What Will Georgia Reads Community Awards Include?
- $20,000 to continue and extend work in literacy improvements
- Georgia Reads Coach Malcolm Mitchell’s recognition of the award with a community engagement activity and visit
- Up to 1000 copies of a book selected by Malcolm Mitchell distributed to students
- An external evaluation after award recognition
Application Opens:
September 22, 2025
Please check back when application opens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia Reads, and who leads it?
Georgia Reads is a statewide initiative of the Georgia Council on Literacy that supports community-led literacy advancement. The Council is tasked with involving entire communities in reading efforts. It promotes a community literacy approach, recognizing that literacy development is a shared responsibility among schools, families, local organizations, and other community stakeholders. The initiative champions reading as a tool for communication, learning, and personal growth across generations.
What is a Georgia Reads Community?
A Georgia Reads Community is one that demonstrates sustained, collaborative, and impactful efforts to improve literacy outcomes. These communities actively engage diverse partners, like schools, libraries, nonprofits, families, and more, in meaningful literacy activities. Their work reflects a shared belief that literacy is foundational to strong, thriving communities.
Who is Malcolm Mitchell and what is his role?
Malcolm Mitchell, former University of Georgia football star and Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots, is the official Georgia Reads Coach. Now an award-winning children’s author and philanthropist, Malcolm supports literacy through his Share the Magic Foundation. He celebrates literacy accomplishments and encourages participation in virtual reading challenges. Communities achieving recognition as Georgia Reads Communities will be celebrated with in-person engagement and a visit from Malcolm himself.
What is the Georgia Reads Community Award?
The Georgia Reads Community Award recognizes partnerships that have already demonstrated success in improving literacy outcomes over the past 2–5 years. This is not a grant for launching new efforts but a celebration of existing partnerships making measurable progress. Up to 10 communities will receive $20,000 awards in 2026.
What do Georgia Reads Community Award winners receive?
Award recipients will receive:
- $20,000 to continue and expand literacy initiatives
- A community visit and recognition from Georgia Reads Coach Malcolm Mitchell
- Up to 1,000 copies of books distributed to students
- An external evaluation of their literacy work and impact
What are the eligibility requirements for the Community Award?
Communities must:
- Show 2+ years of collaborative work among 2 or more organizations
- Demonstrate innovative, evidence-based practices
- Provide evidence of results, such as improved reading scores or increased family engagement
- Emphasize sustainability and long-term planning
How can my school or community get involved?
Join the Georgia Reads Activities
- Apply for the Georgia Reads Community Awards. Applications will open on September 22, 2025. More information will be available on the website.
- Access the resources page on GeorgiaReads.org.
- Compete in READ Bowl.
Who should I contact with questions or to apply?
For general inquiries, school visits, or award applications, contact:
Bryttney Bailey
Literacy Council Support
[email protected]
404-304-3731
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2025 Georgia Reads Community Winners
