Pitney Bowes Inc., the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and NCFL are applauding youth across the country for collectively reading more than 1 million minutes in the 2009 “Fast Break To Reading” program. Starting in June, the national literacy initiative encouraged young students to read throughout the WNBA season and track their minutes online.

Ten WNBA teams participated in the Fast Break To Reading program: the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Detroit Shock, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics. Each team tipped off a local program in June in collaboration with a local literacy organization. The teams also worked with Pitney Bowes to hold Reading Timeouts with area youth to read and speak about the importance of literacy and education.

National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) helped raise awareness of literacy and education, encouraged young students to participate, and offered tips for families on how to make reading more fun and effective during the season.

Thanks to all who helped us reach the 1 million minute goal!