Get on board Cocky’s Reading Express™

What we do:

Cocky’s Reading Express is an award-winning literacy outreach program that inspires children across South Carolina to become life-long readers and learners.

USC students, along with the Gamecock mascot Cocky, travel to elementary schools around the state to read aloud to children and talk with them about the importance of reading. After making a pledge to Cocky that they will read aloud at home with their family, each child is given a book of their very own. For some children this may be the first book they have ever owned or have in their household. The children are thrilled to receive a book from their hero Cocky and are inspired to see USC students who show them that reading helps dreams come true.

Cocky's Reading Express is a collaboration of the University of South Carolina Student Government and the University's School of Library and Information Science.

What our volunteers can do:

• Share books with children and inspire them to become life-long readers and learners
• Give back to your community and serve as an ambassador of the University of South Carolina in classrooms around the state
• Acquire valuable experience, strengthen your resume and earn service hours.

How it works:

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.  Join us for a couple of hours or an entire day. It’s up to you! CRE Volunteers participate in a variety of activities including:

• Participating in Cocky's Reading Express Visits to schools and child care centers.
• Reading aloud to students and sharing information about the importance of reading.
• Handing out books to students and encouraging them to read.
• Assisting with book purchasing, packing, loading and unloading boxes of books.
• Placing stickers in books, counting and boxing books for visits.
• Contacting schools to confirm visits.
• Creating, printing and copying itineraries and maps for visits.
• Promoting CRE and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
• Assisting with orientation and training of new volunteers.
• Assisting with special projects as needed.

Get started now - become a volunteer:

E-mail: Cocky’s Reading Express or call us at 803.777.1339.