The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing the power of mainstream music to youth education in Cleveland, OH.
The NBA team has teamed up with Rhymes with Reason, a literacy platform founded by Austin Martin, to launch its educational technology program at schools in Ohio, according to a news release. The Rhymes with Reason platform was created in 2017 and has helped students increase and improve their reading skills through popular music lyrics.
Introducing the program to Northeast Ohio schools and after-school programs comes after the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shared a study showing “Cleveland’s 8th graders had the most significant post-pandemic reading decline of 26 measured major U.S. cities,” per the news release.
“We are so grateful to the Cleveland Cavaliers for their support to our scholars through innovative learning,” Andrew McRae, CEO of Breakthrough Public Schools, said. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission of centering joy and curiosity to cultivate a community of learning where all students thrive.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Rhymes with Reason’s partnership made its city debut at E Prep Cliffs, which saw appearances from Cleveland Cavaliers player George Niang, the team’s in-arena host Ahmaad Crump, and DJ Steph Floss to welcome the students to the program.
“Rhymes with Reason provides educational technology that will engage and inspire our scholars, enabling us to continue empowering them and enhancing their educational capabilities through music they love,” Marc Johnson, principal of E Prep Cliffs, said.
The partnership aims to work with 250 students in 6th-10th grade in E Prep Cliffs and Kenneth W. Clement Boys Leadership Academy, as well as through the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio. What’s more, the Cleveland Cavaliers have other student educational programs such as Score with Reading, Math Hoops, Mobile Book Fair, and Head of Class.
