READERS FOR LEADERS
Readers for Leaders is a transformative literacy and mentorship initiative co-founded by Grant Bennett (The Two-Six Project) and NBA veteran Dennis Smith Jr. Launched in 2023, the program leverages the unique influence of sports and community leadership to inspire youth in Fayetteville, NC.
By combining Bennett’s community building expertise with Smith Jr.’s platform as a professional athlete, the program aims to make reading exciting, encourage students to set ambitious goals, and demonstrate that education is the foundation of success.
ABOUT
WHY?
3rd grade is a critical milestone. Readers for Leaders is intentionally designed for 3rd-grade students. The founders chose this specific age group for two powerful reasons:
ACADEMIC Impact
3rd grade is a pivotal academic year where students begin standardized testing for reading comprehension, marking a fundamental transition in their educational journey.
Success at this stage often predicts future educational trajectory, as strong literacy skills established during this critical year lay the foundation for lifelong learning and academic achievement.
PERSONAL BOND
3rd grade holds special significance for the founders—it is the exact year Grant Bennett and Dennis Smith Jr. met and became friends.
This personal history serves as a testament to the students that the bonds formed in the classroom can lead to lifelong partnerships and success.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
600+
Students served across the district
5,000+
books read collectively by participants
3 Partners
Implementation in key Cumberland County schools, including Long Hill Elementary, Howard Hall Elementary, and Lucile Souders Elementary
experience
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To keep excitement high, students earn rewards like custom t-shirts, journals, and pizza parties for reaching reading milestones
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The crown jewel of the program is the Annual VIP NBA Experience. Each year, select students and their families are awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to an NBA game.
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This VIP experience allows students to watch co-founder, Dennis Smith Jr., play live, bridging the gap between their reading goals and real-world inspiration.
