ATLANTA (WJBF) – On Monday morning, numerous students convened at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta to listen to former University of Georgia and NFL player Malcolm Mitchell. He conveyed his enthusiasm for reading and emphasized the significance of beginning at a young age.

Governor Brian Kemp has officially declared the day as Georgia Reads Day, a part of a statewide initiative to boost literacy rates and prioritize reading both within and outside the classroom environment.

State lawmakers earlier this year allocated $18 million to the Georgia Council of Literacy, financing 265 literacy coaches throughout Georgia. Sixty of these coaches will engage directly with schools through a continuous improvement program designed to assist students, especially those in elementary grades, in enhancing their reading abilities.

“We had to do something to address our literacy problem in Georgia,” stated Scott Johnson, chairman of the Georgia Council of Literacy. “We can’t afford for our children not to be reading proficiently when they leave third grade and go into fourth grade.”

Data from Georgia Milestones indicates that nearly one-third of third graders read below grade level. Leaders assert that screening for dyslexia and other early obstacles is essential to preventing lifelong learning difficulties.

Mitchell, who grew up in Valdosta and now leads the Share the Magic Foundation, told students that literacy is a gateway to opportunity.

“I believe if students work hard and dream, they can do amazing things,” expressed Mitchell. “Improving literacy rates is the only sustainable way forward.”

The literacy council is also reviewing curriculum, teaching strategies, and ways to better support low-income and minority families.

Earlier this year, the state recognized ten communities with the Georgia Reads Community Awards for improving literacy outcomes, with more awards planned for 2026.

Parents and teachers can also access new resources through the Georgia Reads Toolkit, available online at GeorgiaReads.org