Iowa Wolves and Athene Launched Read to Achieve
The annual literacy initiative returned to Central Iowa schools for its sixth consecutive season this fall.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Primary Education
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The Iowa Wolves and Athene have officially launched the sixth season of their Read to Achieve program. This literacy initiative encourages students to meet specific reading goals throughout the school year.
Why it matters
By gamifying reading, the program aims to boost literacy skills and incentivize academic growth among students in Central Iowa. It provides a unique connection between professional sports and classroom achievement.
The program is open to students from kindergarten through eighth grade who must read 500 minutes to reach prize eligibility. Enrollment for interested classrooms opened on September 29, 2026.
The players
Iowa Wolves
The Iowa Wolves are an American professional basketball team based in Des Moines and a member of the NBA G League.
Athene
Athene is a financial services company that partners with community organizations to support local educational and development initiatives.
The details
Teachers and school administrators can enroll their classrooms in the program to track collective reading minutes. Those that reach the 500-minute threshold become eligible for a prize, including a field trip to a game and a pregame fan tunnel experience.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Program enrollment opened.
January 1, 2027: The enrollment period closes.
February 9, 2027: The Best Field Trip Ever game is scheduled.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the NBA G League's community outreach framework, which emphasizes the role of professional franchises in fostering local engagement. It reflects a broader trend of sports organizations investing in foundational literacy to strengthen ties with regional families.
Local teachers and parents should note that they have until January 1, 2027, to complete the enrollment process for their students. Meeting the reading requirement provides classrooms the chance to secure a spot at the special game on February 9, 2027.
The takeaway
Consistent reading habits established early in a childs development can significantly improve long-term literacy outcomes. Educators and families can use these structured milestones to keep students engaged with their reading progress throughout the winter months.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in our Primary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CITYVIEW.
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