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
Boeing, BP, Charleston County Bar Association, Dominion Energy, International Paper
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
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