RISE Augusta Honored with Georgia Reads Community Award, Joins Statewide Literacy Movement
RISE Augusta is thrilled to announce that we have been named one of only ten recipients of the prestigious Georgia Reads Community Award by the Georgia Council on Literacy. This recognition celebrates our organization’s outstanding impact on youth literacy—and comes with a $25,000 grant to further support and expand our community-based literacy initiatives.
This exciting honor was spotlighted during a dynamic Reading Rally held on April 30, 2025, at the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library. The event was hosted by the wonderful Jay Jefferies from WFXG FOX 54 and headlined by none other than Malcolm Mitchell, Super Bowl Champion, bestselling author, and Founder of the Share the Magic Foundation. As Georgia’s official “Georgia Reads Coach,” Mitchell delivered an electrifying keynote calling on community members to step up and champion literacy for every child.
The rally brought together a powerful lineup of local leaders and advocates who echoed this call to action. Speakers included Shell Berry from the Community Foundation for the CSRA, Dr. Debbie Alexander of RESA, Dr. Malinda Cobb from Richmond County School System, Nikki Brigham of Georgia Power, and Laurie Cook, Director of Programs at RISE Augusta. Each highlighted the vital role of collaboration, resource sharing, and sustained investment in achieving reading proficiency for all students.
Together, we are building momentum behind the Get Augusta Reading initiative—an ambitious, community-wide effort to ensure every child in our city reads on grade level by the end of third grade.
This award and rally are more than a celebration—they're a rallying cry. With continued dedication, partnership, and collaboration -- RISE Augusta and our community friends are turning the page toward a brighter, more literate future for our youth.
