MEMPHIS, Tennessee (January 13, 2016) – Coaching for Literacy (CFL) is honored to partner with head coach Larry Brown and the SMU Mustangs for a second consecutive year.
SMU will host the Assistant Coach Program on two occasions this season: January 30th and February 10th. The effort will support two different Dallas-based literacy initiatives: Reading is Fundamental of Dallas and TSZ – West Dallas, a part of the Budd Center and the Simmon’s School of Education.
SMU joins 17 NCAA programs and the Washington Wizards as a member of CFL’s 2015-2016 Assistant Coach Program season. The program raises awareness about the problem of illiteracy in America and generates funds for local literacy initiatives.
Coach Brown has been a steadfast supporter of Coaching for Literacy’s initiatives for nearly two years. He has taken part in Coaching for Literacy’s inaugural Revitalizing Literacy Through Sports event as the keynote conversationalist and currently serves on CFL’s Advisory Board.
“SMU is honored to support the work Coaching for Literacy is doing nationwide and here in Dallas,” said SMU Head Coach Larry Brown. “If you can read, you can be successful, and this program is going to have a positive impact way beyond our sport.”
The Assistant Coach Program permits SMU fans to support literacy efforts in Dallas in exchange for a once in a lifetime experience with their favorite team. The four participants for the two SMU efforts will receive perks including: a tour of the facilities, courtside seating, access to the locker room and postgame press conference, autographed memorabilia and college specific attire provided by CFL partner Peter Millar. Funds raised will be allocated by CFL to its effective literacy partners in Dallas, TX – Reading is Fundamental of Dallas and TSZ – West Dallas.
Want to get involved in the fight for literacy and enjoy an incredible gameday experience with SMU basketball? Learn more about the SMU Assistant Coach Program experiences here: Memphis vs. SMU and Tulsa vs. SMU.
The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to increase awareness about the number of people in America who are functionally or totally illiterate and the social problems associated with illiteracy. By leveraging the unique power of collegiate and professional sports, Coaching for Literacy raises money to support effective local literacy programs and schools focused on educating elementary and middle school students.
“Coach Brown and SMU Athletics set a high bar for the involvement and impact an athletic organization can lend to this effort,” said John Wilfong, board chairman of Coaching for Literacy. “CFL is excited to continue its positive work in the Dallas community with literacy partners like RIF Dallas and TSZ – West Dallas.”