Valerie Byrd Fort
For information about CRE or to volunteer:
Email: valbyrd@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-1730
What We Do
Cocky's Reading Express™ is the University of South Carolina’s literacy outreach program. USC students travel the state with their friend, Cocky, visiting elementary schools across South Carolina. The students read to the children, and Cocky helps the children understand the importance of life-long reading.
The program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade because research shows that if children acquire strong reading skills and a love of reading by the end of second grade they are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time. Our priority is reaching students in under served public schools. In this interactive map, you can see all the South Carolina schools we have visited and the number of books we've donated in each county.
All the children are given a book to take home, a reminder of their visit from Cocky and the USC students. The USC students know they are making reading fun — one Gamecock at a time.
The coordinator for Cocky's Reading Express will reach out to qualified schools for in-person school visits.
Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. Join us for a couple of hours or an entire day. It’s up to you! Contact Valerie Byrd Fort for more information. Please note that you must be a current USC student, faculty, or staff to volunteer.
Current Sponsors
Boeing, BP, Charleston County Bar Association, Dominion Energy, International Paper, The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the South Carolina Bar
Past Sponsors
Julie and Mike Brenan, Bi-Lo, BB&T, Central Carolina Community Foundation, Colonial
Life, Columbia Arts Academy, Hearst Foundation, Nexsen Pruet, Southern Way Catering, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough,
The Michael Jeffcoat Firm
In the News
“Dot Buys a Bike” book tour begins, supporting children’s news literacy
Going the extra mile for literacy
Literacy program continues to "grow" despite the coronavirus pandemic
Contact Us
Braden Shain
For information on how you can support CRE:
Email: bshain@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-576-5914