As part of Scholastic’s global literacy campaign, Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life., we’ve identified organizations that work every day to see that children learn to read, love to read, and have access to books. We call them “Literacy Champions”and we want to acknowledge their hard work here on the blog in our Literacy Champions series. 

61 million children around the world are out of school. Non-profit Pencils of Promise (PoP) believes every child should have access to quality education. PoP creates schools, programs, and global communities around the common goal of education for all.

This winter, PoP is partnering with Justin Bieber to launch their second annual Schools4All campaign, a movement of students for students. Just $25 educates a child in a Pencils of Promise school. Starting November 30 through January 31, every $25 a middle or high school raises is a lottery ticket entry for Justin Bieber to come visit. Any student can create or join their school’s fundraising team at Schools4All.org. Justin Bieber will visit the winning school and celebrate their commitment to education for all.

Hillary MCarthur was one of the 20,000 students that rallied around Schools4All last year. She raised $1,102 with the help of her friend. About the experience Hillary said, “We are two girls who go to school in a small town of 7000, but with your help, we can change the world!” With the support of students like Hillary, PoP was able to fund 12 new school builds through Schools4All in 2011.

Help to create global access to education and enter your school for a visit from Justin Bieber by signing up today at Schools4All.org.  Teachers can also visit Schools4All.org to find out how to win a $1,000 gift certificate for a classroom makeover from Poppin.

Anyone who helps a child to read is a Literacy Champion in our book, and we invite you to join our growing list of people committed to supporting childhood literacy. You can also support a Literacy Champion near you—browse a full list on our Read Every Day Lead a Better Life. site.

(Photo Credit: Mike Lerner)