Go Bears, Go Read
Go Bears, Go Read is Cal Athletics initiative where Cal Student-Athletes & teams volunteer as reading role models to support early literacy, and a joy for reading at a young age.
Get Involved - Volunteer to Read Today
The flagship initiative of Go Bears, Go Read is the Cal Football Summer Reading Challenge. In addition, Bears support early readers year-round through limited engagement volunteer events with local libraries, and ongoing support with KIPP Bridge Middle School
Be a Reading Role Model at KIPP Bridge Middle School
Read with middle school students in a one-on-one and small group setting. Drop-in, or consistent service welcomed.
When: Mon-Thurs 9-12:15 & 2:30-3:15 (flexibility within these timeframes)
Where: KIPP Bridge Middle School, 1700 Market Street, Oakland
Volunteer at the West Branch Berkeley Public Library!
Location: West Branch Berkeley Public Library (University Ave.)
Date & Time commitment: Tuesday, October 24 , 1:45-3:15pm
Volunteer to help youth in the community decorate a trick-or-treat bag, make ghostly and batty masks, and cackle with delight as you fly into our program on your broom! Costumes encouraged!
Next Steps: Sign up and GO BEARS!
Go Bears, Go Read at West Branch Berkeley Public Library!
Location: West Branch Berkeley Public Library (University Ave.)
Date & Time commitment: Thursday, October 26 , 1:45-3:15pm
Volunteer to Read for the Record: a real-aloud opportunity where the student-athlete(s) and the librarian join thousands of other readers worldwide in reading this year's selected book
Next Steps: Sign up and GO BEARS!
The Cal Football Summer Reading Challenge
Former Golden Bear running back Patrick Laird, formally of the Miami Dolphins and now the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, started the Summer Reading Challenge in 2018 to encourage students to continue reading over the summer and combat summer learning loss. The challenge inspired a community of readers and culminated in a great experience for everyone at Cal’s opening game. In 2023 with the help of the entire Cal Football Team and current Golden Bear Brian Driscoll, we worked to grow the challenge to reach over 2000 young readers through school and community outreach.
The Cal Summer Reading Challenge will be BACK this Spring! Stay tuned on ways to get involved!
Go Bears, Go Read is a collaborative effort. Thank you to our collaborative partners:
Berkeley United in Literacy Development (BUILD)
Berkeley Unified School District
KIPP Bridge Middle School
West Contra Costa Unified School District
West Contra Costa Education Fund
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland Athletic League
Cal Athletics & Cal Football