In a collaborative effort led by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, U. S. Steel, and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, the Reading Champions program continues to inspire a love of reading among third-grade students across Western Pennsylvania. Since its launch in 2021, the program has reached over 1,100 students in 26 classrooms, who have collectively logged more than 1 million minutes of reading.
Designed to make literacy engaging, competitive, and accessible for all reading levels, Reading Champions encourages students to read for 20 minutes a day—the same length as a hockey period. “If Sidney Crosby can play for 20 minutes, it doesn’t seem that long,” said Heidi Chappell, Senior Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement at U. S. Steel. The program’s relatable format and team-based approach make reading feel achievable and fun.
Each classroom receives a Reading Champions toolkit featuring teacher guides, bookmarks, reading trackers, student folders, and a curated set of 25 books that emphasize values like teamwork, resilience, kindness, and inclusion. Books span topics from hockey to wildlife conservation and anti-bullying, helping students connect to content that resonates.
As students accumulate minutes, they advance through achievement levels—Rookie, First Line, and MVP—earning prizes and recognition along the way. The emphasis on collective effort means every student contributes to the team’s success, whether they read for one minute or one thousand.
Duquesne Elementary Wins 2025 Steel Cup
One standout classroom this year was Mrs. Kristen Korenoski’s third-grade class at Duquesne Elementary, which topped the leaderboard with 73,245 minutes read in just eight weeks. Their achievement earned them the coveted Steel Cup trophy, a visit from Iceburgh, and a VIP suite experience at a Penguins game on March 11.
“They set the goal themselves, and they worked so hard to reach it,” said Korenoski. “They just have that love for reading and learning. I supported them, but the credit is all theirs.” Expanding Literacy and Confidence
The Reading Champions program also continues to evolve based on educator feedback, expanding to include buddy reading sessions where older students read to kindergarteners, creating a literacy pipeline and building confidence for future participants.
From custom classroom visits to on-ice celebrations, Reading Champions blends education with excitement, proving that when kids are motivated and supported, they’ll rise to the challenge—together.
