LA Dodgers Alum Dennis Powell Goes to Bat for Literacy
In partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Think Together hosted an LA Reads event for nearly 200 Think Together students at Norton Science and Language Academy (NSLA) in San Bernardino. Waiting for them at the event was a warm welcome from the LADF team, handing out team hats and T-shirts to everyone.
As soon as the reading began, kindergarten through fifth-grade students sat in awe as Dodgers alum Dennis Powell brought the story, Abuela, to life, captivating them with each word.
“I think it’s important to be able to emphasize the importance of reading. Reading is valuable. Reading is knowledge,” Powell said.
Once the reading ended, these young readers cheered, their appreciation shining through smiles and applause for Powell’s inspiring storytelling.
Principal Erika Agosta shared her appreciation for the event and the opportunities it opened for NSLA’s scholars.
“This partnership with Think Together and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation brings opportunities to our kids that they would normally not have. We are so proud to be able to have this partnership that has the same ideals that we do, which are leadership and teamwork,” Agosta said.
LA Reads is part of LADF’s broader literacy campaign, which includes the Dodgers Reading Champions challenge, a program that motivates young readers to develop their skills through fun, engaging literacy activities.
Since 2015, Think Together and the LADF have teamed up to expand access to literacy programs, STEM initiatives and social-emotional learning opportunities. Through this ongoing partnership, LADF has provided more than $140,000 in support for Think Together students across California.
With more than 30,000 Think Together students in the Inland Empire, events like these highlight the power of community partnerships to spark a passion for learning and open doors for student success.
