INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI men's soccer team recently completed training and will participating in the Indianapolis Public Schools 'Real Men Read' Mentoring Program. The program partners 1-2 male mentors with each of the participating classrooms and each mentor visits the classroom seven times throughout the school year to read to the students. 

Upon completion, each student receives his or her own copy of the text that was read aloud. 

"We couldn't be more excited that the IUPUI Men's Soccer Team, including the coaches, have joined the IPS 'Real Men Read' program. Many of our young male students dream about being athletes when they get older, but college usually isn't part of that fantasy," said Allyson M Peterkin, IPS District Literacy Coordinator. "The IUPUI soccer players will show our students the importance of higher education along with dedication and commitment to their community. These young men are wonderful role models for our IPS students to look up to and to aspire to. Indianapolis Public Schools is very thankful to the young men on the soccer team and we're excited to see how this partnership inspires our students."

At the end of the program, each child will have received seven new books for their home library. In addition, they will have gained another adult who believes them and a true role model. Plus, teachers confirm that their most reluctant readers will read the books they receive over and over again. 

"We're excited to serve as mentors in the 'Real Men Read' Program," IUPUI Head Coach Brian Barnett said. "I think it's a responsibility of our student-athletes to have civic engagement within our community and this is an opportunity to provide some real impact on a large number of individuals. I think our guys are excited about it and they'll learn as much or more from it than the IPS kids who will see them as role models."