Cocky's Reading Express

SC Read-In

CRE participated in the annual event at the State House. See photos on our Flickr site.
USC's First Lady

Mrs. Patricia Moore-Pastides joined CRE for an event hosted by St. Martin de Porres.
Student volunteers

These student volunteers are just a few who have helped hand out more than 116,000 free books throughout the years.
Cocky immortalized on the horseshoe

Among the many reasons Cocky is worth honoring . . . the significant role he takes on in the literacy battle in the state.

The Cocky's Reading Express™ literacy program features the Carolina mascot and USC student volunteers who travel the state in their own bus, visiting elementary schools and reading to students.

What We Do

Cocky's Reading Express™ is the University of South Carolina’s literacy outreach program. USC students travel the state with their friend, Cocky, visiting elementary schools across South Carolina. The students read to the children, and Cocky helps the children understand the importance of life-long reading.

The program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade because research shows that if children acquire strong reading skills and a love of reading by the end of second grade they are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time. Our priority is reaching students in under served public schools. In this interactive map, you can see all the South Carolina schools we have visited and the number of books we've donated in each county.

All the children are given a book to take home, a reminder of their visit from Cocky and the USC students. The USC students know they are making reading fun — one Gamecock at a time.

Request a Visit from Cocky's Reading Express

A CRE program is "assembly" style and works best in a cafeteria, gym or media center. From beginning to end, the program usually lasts about forty-five minutes to one hour.

If you are interested in Cocky’s Reading Express coming to your school, let us know by completing our online form. You will receive an automated response email to confirm receipt of your request. This is not the confirmation for the appearance. Request a CRE visit here»

Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. Join us for a couple of hours or an entire day. It’s up to you!

Current Sponsors

SCE&G, Boeing, BP, Charleston County Bar Association

Past Sponsors
Julie and Mike Brenan, Bi-Lo, BB&T, Central Carolina Community Foundation, Colonial Life, Hearst Foundation, Nexsen Pruet, Southern Way Catering, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, The Michael Jeffcoat Firm

In the News

2,000 kids joined together at the Statehouse for SC Read-In Day

Ten years of Cocky reads

BP donates $25,000 to Cocky's Reading Express

Students get Cocky about reading

SEC Success Story: ESPN feature on Cocky's Reading Express (video)

Contact Us