Washington, DC (Wednesday, June 25, 2008) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced today that The University of Texas-Pan American has been awarded a $20,000 grant for The Big Read, a nationwide initiative to restore reading to the center of American life. UTPA is one of 208 organizations that received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read from September 2008-June 2009. The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 23 selections from American and world literature.

“This is an important program that will help make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for more Rio Grande Valley residents and I congratulate UTPA on their award,” said Hinojosa. “The Big Read offers a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of our students and spark a love for reading that will last a lifetime. I encourage as many residents as possible to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

UTPA will receive a grant of $20,000 to promote and carry out community-based reading programs featuring activities such as read-a-thons, book discussions, lectures, movie screenings, and performing arts events. Participating communities also receive high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement each title, including Reader’s, Teacher’s, and Audio Guides.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. For more information about The Big Read please visit www.neabigread.org.

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