The New College Institute (NCI) has received a grant of $2,370.00 from the Martinsville – Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Foundation to support NCI’s Reading for Life program.
The funding will support NCI in providing books for kindergarten students at Henry County Public Schools and Patrick County Public Schools, helping young learners build strong literacy skills from the very start of their educational journey. NCI reached out to all local public school districts, working collaboratively with interested school districts to select and approve books that best fit their students’ needs. Through Reading for Life, NCI places these books directly into the hands of children, fostering a love of reading both in the classroom and at home.
“This investment in our youngest learners is truly an investment in the future of our community,” said Joe Sumer, Executive Director of New College Institute. “Through the Chamber’s Education Foundation, we are able to put high-quality books into the hands of kindergarten students across our region. Early literacy builds confidence, strengthens academic success, and opens doors to lifelong opportunity. We are grateful for their partnership in helping us make a meaningful difference for local families.”
The chamber echoed that commitment to strengthening education across the region.
“The Education Foundation is proud to support programs that create meaningful impact for students and families in Martinsville-Henry County,” said Tabatha Martin, Executive Director of the Martinsville – Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Foundation. “Early literacy is foundational to long-term academic achievement and workforce success. By supporting Reading for Life, we are investing not only in children today, but in the strength and vitality of our community for years to come.”
The Reading for Life program reflects NCI’s continued commitment to educational access and community impact, beginning at the earliest stages of learning. By providing books to children at a critical point in their development, the program helps foster foundational reading skills and supports long-term academic growth.
For more information about NCI’s Reading for Life program, visit www.newcollegeinstitute.org.
