Kelz Hoop Foundation, AD1 Legacy, and The Mind Trust partner to launch Champions of Literacy program at Global Preparatory Academy
Third graders at Global Preparatory Academy will gain new ways to build literacy skills and deepen their love of reading, thanks to an exciting new partnership featuring WNBA All-Star and Indiana Fever player Kelsey Mitchell.
Mitchell’s foundation, the Kelz Hoop Foundation, alongside AD1 Legacy and The Mind Trust, are partnering to bring dynamic literacy programming and celebratory events for Global Preparatory Academy third graders, working closely with school staff. This year-long partnership will support a key year for student reading comprehension and phonics skills, with the goal of increasing literacy rates as shown on state assessments.
Kelsey Mitchell on what this partnership and initiative means to her:
“I’ve always felt if you’re blessed with an opportunity to do something meaningful, you should bring somebody else along with you. For me, pouring into the community and investing in young people is really important, because I know how much it can mean to have people believe in you, encourage you, and create opportunities for you along the way. I’m really excited to collaborate with Global Preparatory Academy, AD1 Legacy, and The Mind Trust because of the work they’re doing to make sure young people have access to those same kinds of opportunities. I’m grateful to be able to play even a small part in that.
At the end of the day, I want the next generation to have more than we had—to have more access, more confidence, and more people in their corner. If we can help move that forward and leave things a little better than we found them, then that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.”
AD Williams on the ways this partnership impacts students:
“As a former third-grade teacher, it is an honor to return to this work from a different seat and help carry it forward,” said AD Williams. “I know how critical third grade is in a student’s literacy journey, and how transformative it can be when a child begins to see themselves not only as a reader, but as someone capable of learning, leading, and imagining what is possible for their future. Champions of Literacy is about more than increasing reading scores; it is about creating access, building confidence, engaging families, and helping students understand that meaningful growth happens one step, one page, and one day at a time. If we can help students believe in becoming just one percent better each day, those small gains can become something much bigger over time. We are proud to partner with the Kelz Hoop Foundation, The Mind Trust, and Global Preparatory Academy to invest in students, celebrate their growth, and help make literacy a pathway to possibility.”
The Kelz Hoop Foundation Champions of Literacy program has three main components:
Component One: Book of the month and reading incentives
Mitchell has selected a book of the month from September to March, picking titles that center belonging, family, perseverance, and gratitude. Books were approved by the GPA team and are appropriate for a third-grade reading level. Each month, all GPA third-graders will receive the book and earn rewards for meeting their reading goals.
- September – The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
- October – The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
- November – The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson
- December – Saturday by Oge Mora
- January – Sana, Sana, Colita de Rana by Citlali Reyes
- February – Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- March – My Town / Mi Pueblo by Nicholas Solis
Component Two – Literacy Champions cohort
Fifteen students will be identified as Literacy Champions using second-grade IREAD assessment data and teacher recommendations. These students represent those most likely to benefit from intensive encouragement and resources.
Members of the Literacy Champions cohort receive a Kelz Hoop branded t-shirt, along with additional reading incentives and recognition throughout the program. They will also get a personalized recognition from Kelsey Mitchell at the end-of-program celebration. To celebrate their progress during the school year, each student and their family will be invited to attend an Indiana Fever game.
Component Three – Family Literacy Academy
A six-week academy will bring Literacy Champions and their parents together for fun activities and support to build lifelong learning. During each academy session, students will receive tutoring, and parents will learn strategies to support reading skills at home. Families will also receive take-home reading kits that include books, activity guides, reading logs, and tips to carry the learning beyond the session.
“We know our kids thrive when schools, families, and community partners work together,” said Dr. Mariama Shaheed, Founder and CEO of Global Preparatory Academies. “This partnership will allow us to engage parents alongside their children, build a genuine love of reading, and help our third graders grow into strong, confident, proficient readers.”
“This partnership exemplifies The Mind Trust’s belief in the power of community and connecting those passionate about education to schools for the benefit of students,” said Lauren I. Peterson, Vice President of Community Engagement at The Mind Trust. “We are deeply grateful for Kelsey Mitchell, the Kelz Hoop Foundation, AD1 Legacy, and Global Preparatory Academy for their commitment to student literacy. We’re thrilled for GPA students to experience this year-long opportunity and all the growth it will spark!”