Cross-Neighborhood Initiatives: P.E.E.R. Read Aloud Program

Panthers Encouraging Early Readers (P.E.E.R.) encourages reading at an early age in the hopes of developing a lifelong passion for reading and learning. Through a partnership with Pitt Athletics and the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, Pitt athletes (the “P” in P.E.E.R.) perform read aloud sessions to students from K-5/K-8 schools in the Neighborhood Commitments neighborhoods.

Partnering with The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore, a mobile bookstore founded by Pitt alum Nosakhere Griffin-El, PhD, Pitt athletes participate in a one-hour training session to equip them with the skills to assist our young readers and to select a book to read to the students.

The students are encouraged to think about their own interests, passions, and hopes for the future. With this knowledge and with help from Pitt athletes, all students will get to choose a book of their choice to keep from The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore.