SECRETARY CARSON LAUNCHES VIRTUAL SUMMER READING SERIES DURING VISIT TO ENVISION CENTER
Videos emphasize the joy of reading and the importance of educational advancement
 

CHARLOTTE, NC - During a visit to a newly-designated EnVision Center, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today announced the launch of a virtual summer reading series, Summer Reading with Secretary Carson.

“Reading is a fundamental part of learning; it certainly had an important impact on my life,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “Through this summer reading series, we’re helping kids to cultivate a love for reading, which is a skill that will serve them greatly for the rest of their lives.”

Throughout the summer, Secretary Carson will publish weekly story time videos for children who may be spending the summer at home because of COVID-19. Each week, children and parents can view book readings on Secretary Carson’s Instagram channel. In addition to reading, the series will also highlight several of HUD’s initiatives that focus on educational advancement, such as the EnVision Center initiative and Book Rich Environments.

HUD’s Book Rich Environments (BRE) Initiative is a collaboration aimed to transform Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) into book rich environments by providing diverse, high quality books and other literacy tools to children and families living in HUD-assisted housing to improve literacy outcomes and ensure all young people, regardless of background, have the tools they need to reach their full potential. The effort is made possible by a partnership among the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Education (DoE), PHAs, public libraries and other local and national education partners. Last year, HUD celebrated the distribution of 1,000,000 books to children living in HUD-assisted households or participating in HUD programs.

Secretary Carson launched the EnVision Centers Initiative to form centralized resource hubs in communities across the country that provide people with the educational tools and support needed to excel. The Centers focus on four pillars of growth and success: economic empowerment, educational advancement, health and wellness, as well as character and leadership.