For the fifth-consecutive year, the Wichita State men's basketball team will join in the fight for literacy by hosting a #Fight4Literacy game to support literacy efforts in the local community.
 
In Kansas, more than 33 percent of fourth-grade students cannot read at even as basic level, and less than 34 percent are considered proficient. These are critical statistics. Illiteracy costs our nation's health care system hundreds of billions of dollars-per-year and indicates future rates of poverty and crime.
 
The Shockers men's basketball team, in partnership with Coaching for Literacy, hopes to change those statistics. During Saturday night's home game against the USF Bulls, coaches will wear special wristbands and lapel pins to raise awareness for the cause.
 
 "Wichita State has long focused on the needs of our community," head coach Isaac Brown said. "Partnering with Coaching for Literacy allows us to invest in the future of Wichita-area students – and the future of our school, our city and our country. We hope our fans and alumni will join us in this fight."
 
Fans are invited to make a donation in support of local programs. One hundred percent of funds generated at the game will stay in the community through a grant partnership with the United Way of the Plains. Since 2013, Coaching for Literacy has granted more than $730,000 to local literacy partners to fund initiatives like mentoring, after-school programs and providing age-appropriate books for children.

Click here to Join the #Fight4Literacy
 
As the presenting partner of the #Fight4Literacy, International Paper has guaranteed a minimum donation of $10,000. The company will also match local donations up to $5,000.
 
 "#Fight4Literacy presented by International Paper is truly a movement," said Carleen O'Reilly, executive director of Coaching for Literacy. "We know how crucial it is for young kids to learn to read, and active, committed partners like the Wichita State Shockers and the United Way of the Plains are an important piece of that puzzle. But anyone can fight for literacy, and this partnership really helps bring the issue front and center in the Wichita community and among Wichita State basketball fans. We hope it creates a long-term impact."
 
A final fundraising total will be announced at the end of the season, when grants will be provided to Coaching for Literacy's local partners.
 
Founded in 2013 by two high school students, Coaching for Literacy aims to raise awareness of and support solutions to the widespread problem of illiteracy. Using the power and influence of sports, the organization partners with teams across the country to host #Fight4Literacy games, which raise funds for grants to literacy-focused programs in their communities. For more information, visit CoachingforLiteracy.org.
 
For more information about International Paper, its products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.