Mariposa Innovation Academy

Real Men Read

Real Men Read is a literacy initiative that encourages positive male role models to inspire a love of reading in students. Through classroom visits, read-alouds, and community engagement, volunteers demonstrate the importance of literacy while showing students that reading is a valuable skill for lifelong learning and success.

By fostering meaningful connections and promoting a culture of reading, Real Men Read helps motivate students, strengthen school-community partnerships, and create memorable learning experiences that support academic growth and achievement.

Since then, our Real Men Read and Read to Me events continue to support our students twice a year. We would love to see YOU at the next one!

2023- our first real men read Event

We had dads, grandpas, uncles, community members, authors, scientists, deputies and more come out to read to our children one morning in the spring of 2023.

Here are some of our classes enjoying their time with a diverse group of readers

Some of the men were asked to return for a whole week of encore reading!

Local authors read their inspiring books to us.

Our first event in Mar 2023 was so successful, that the men asked if we could do it more often

We decided to do two events in the 23/24 school year. Enjoy looking at a few photos of those who showed up.

Creating community amongst the men themselves was a huge factor in its success!

Our students who competed in the Black Knowledge Bowl were our Jr. Ambassadors who provided hospitality to our participants.

The gentlemen that came out were able to connect with one another as well, and began forming and deepening relationships themselves.

2024 - Real Men Read Expands

In Feb 2024, we opened up Real Men Read to include women and had our wildly successful Read to Me.