Go Big Read

The Mission

In 2023/2024, 59% of third graders were considered proficient in ELA (down from 62% in the previous year). This decline is significant because studies show that third graders who aren’t reading at their reading level can face significant challenges in their future. Nebraska Athletics aims to use sports as a platform to encourage reading and make it fun for kids!

The Nebraska Department of Education received a $55 million grant in 2024 to improve literacy. Go Big Read will fit seamlessly with the efforts that the state is already pursuing to improve literacy. “Go Big Read” hopes to play a part in their goal of increasing third grade ELA proficiency to 75% by 2030.

 

Partners

Linked2Literacy
Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln Housing Authority
Food Bank of Lincoln
Sheldon Museum of Art
Lincoln City Libraries

 

Schedule

Monday, February 23rd  – Go Big Read at School

Husker student athletes/teams will visit different elementary schools and read aloud to classrooms. All students are encouraged to wear red on this day!

Tuesday, February 24th – Go Big Read at the Library

Husker cheer, spirit squad and mascots visit different library programs across the city.

• 10:15-10:45 am: Storytime at Walt Branch (6701 S 14th St)
• 10:35-10:55 am: Wee Workout at Eiseley Branch (1530 Superior St)
• 10:05 am-10:45 am: Music and Movement at Gere Branch (2400 S 56th St)

Wednesday, February 25th – Go Big Read in the Community

1) Book drive at LPS Food Pantry 

• 3:30-4:30 pm

2) Reading event and book drive at Air Park Community Center for families at Lincoln Housing Authority

• 4:30-5:30 pm
• All children will receive a free book at the event 

Thursday, February 26th – Go Big Read Together

Reading Through the Arts, a community family night at the Sheldon Museum of Art, presented in collaboration with Linked2Literacy, Husker Athletics, and The House on Mango Street Project. 

• 4:00-7:00 pm
• Free and open to the public (children ages 5-12), please register here.
•  The evening will include Husker student-athletes reading with children, docent-led connections between The House on Mango Street and the Hyphen–American exhibition, live performances, and interactive booths throughout the museum.

Friday, February 27th – Go Big Read at Home

• All families are encouraged to read a book together for 30 minutes at home!
• Please share pictures or videos on social media using the hashtag #NEGoBigRead2026
• The participants with the most creative picture or video will receive a prize pack through Nebraska Athletics!