PEMCO Mutual Insurance and Seattle Storm Enhance Youth Literacy Initiative

As educational institutions in the Northwestern U.S. transition into the summer recess, PEMCO Mutual Insurance is collaborating with the Seattle Storm to enhance their involvement in youth literacy. The initiative, titled Power Forward Readers, aims to maintain children's engagement with reading throughout the year by leveraging community collaborations, organizing events, and broadening access to literary materials. This effort is a continuation of both organizations' commitment to youth literacy and extends their previous summer-focused activities by working alongside local libraries, educational institutions, and community groups. The goal is to facilitate better access to reading for students across King County. "Summer should be a time of exploration and memory-making, with books as a core component," commented Allison Leep, PEMCO's Head of Social Impact. "However, students often lose reading momentum with school out of session. Power Forward Readers is designed to help sustain that momentum by connecting children with books and literacy-oriented experiences and fostering a community that values reading throughout the summer and beyond into the school year. When youth see their sports heroes promoting learning, it underscores the importance of reading as a vital part of achieving success." The Power Forward Readers initiative begins this summer, targeting over 8,000 students, with additional programs planned for the school year. This is particularly important as research shows students from low-income households can lose significant reading skills over the summer break, unlike their counterparts from higher-income backgrounds who generally maintain or slightly improve. Nate Silverman, Chief Commercial Officer at the Seattle Storm, remarked, "At the Seattle Storm, we hold that every child should have access to the resources and experiences that foster success. Power Forward Readers is about more than access to books, it’s about inspiring curiosity, boosting confidence, and creating meaningful family experiences. We are pleased to join forces with PEMCO to broaden literacy resources while inviting families to enjoy the thrill of Storm basketball." For more details on Power Forward Readers and forthcoming community events, visit the official site of the Seattle Storm. PEMCO Mutual Insurance has served the Pacific Northwest since 1949, offering various insurance products including auto, home, renters, and more. The company consistently receives accolades for its customer service, industry knowledge, and programs focused on supporting youth and education. More information is available at their website. The Seattle Storm is a distinguished team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), known for providing excellent professional basketball experiences and engaging its devoted fanbase. Beyond the court, the Storm is active in promoting health, social equity, and community impact across Seattle and the Pacific Northwest through numerous initiatives.