INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Sports Corp is expanding its Team Up for Literacy initiative through new partnerships with Indianapolis Indians Charities and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. The collaboration brings together three of the city’s major sports organizations to combat statewide literacy challenges, utilizing sports-driven engagement to support families and help address systemic issues related to literacy.
Originally launched by Indiana Sports Corp to create positive, year-round learning experiences, the Team Up for Literacy initiative will now scale its impact. Through school outreach, community events, and seasonal reading challenges, the expanded program will connect literacy efforts directly with Indiana’s passionate sports culture throughout the entire year.
“Sports have the power to bring people together, and we see that same incredible opportunity with literacy,” said Indiana Sports Corp Vice President of Engagement, Ashleigh Newbold. “Through Team Up for Literacy, we’re creating experiences that encourage kids and families to stay engaged with reading while connecting them to their teams, their communities, and to new opportunities to learn. Expanding this initiative with the support of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Indianapolis Indians Charities allows us to amplify that impact and inspire young readers through every season of the year.”
The expanded initiative kicks off this summer with “9 Innings of Reading,” a reading challenge designed for readers ages 18 and under supported by Indianapolis Indians Charities. Running throughout the summer, participants will use the Beanstack reading platform to track their reading minutes, aiming for a grand slam goal of 900 total minutes (approximately 100 minutes per week).
To keep readers motivated, the summer challenge will feature themed weekly “innings” tied to community activations, including exclusive literacy events at Victory Field. Participants will have the opportunity to earn ticket giveaways, standout reader recognition, and exclusive experiences hosted by Indianapolis Indians Charities with the organization supporting the program with a $50,000 donation over the span of two years.
“Reading has the power to open doors for people of all ages, and when you combine literacy with the excitement of sports, it creates a fun and meaningful way to keep kids and families engaged in learning,” said Beth Belange-Hood, Director of Indianapolis Indians Charities. “Through Team Up for Literacy, we have an incredible opportunity to connect education with experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and community. By rewarding reading with opportunities to attend sporting events and engage with local teams, we hope to encourage lifelong learning while also highlighting the positive impact sports can have both on and off the field.”
Following the summer baseball challenge, the initiative will transition to the hardwood this fall with “Four Quarters of Reading.” This second seasonal challenge will keep the momentum going through the school year with basketball-themed milestones and outreach supported by PS&E. The Pacers Foundation is supporting the reading challenge with a $50,000 literacy grant to Indiana Sports Corp, providing funding for the initiative through the next two years.
“We believe reading and literacy are foundational to creating brighter futures for young people and stronger communities across Indiana,” said Julie Roe Lach, PS&E EVP of external relations and community engagement. “Through the Pacers Foundation’s investment and Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s support of the program, we are thrilled to partner on this next chapter of Team Up for Literacy and to create experiences that celebrate students, support educators and use the power of sport to inspire a deeper love of learning.”
Registration for the summer challenge is now open, with additional details for the fall program coming at a later date. Families, parents, and caregivers can learn more about Team Up for Literacy and sign up their young readers, log minutes, and track challenge milestones by visiting IndianaSportsCorp.org/literacy.
