 What do you want to be when you “grow up”?  A high school diploma:  Employability  A diploma gives you much better odds of landing a job than someone who doesn't complete high school graduation requirements. (About 38% more likely)  Better Pay  The same Department of Labor study found that high school diploma holders earned an average of $554 a week compared with $396 earned by employees who lacked a diploma. This adds up to $8,268 more in earnings per year with a diploma.

 Children who read well do better in other subjects, and in all aspects of school and beyond.

 Poor reading skills correlate heavily with lack of employment, lower wages, and fewer opportunities for advancement.  A GED is not viewed the same as a high school diploma  Reading skills correspond directly to one’s ability to… › be an informed citizen › communicate effectively › earn a higher salary › succeed in one’s chosen career, and › achieve personal fulfillment

 Literary (novels/literature) readers are: › 3 times as likely to attend a performing arts event › 4 times as likely to visit an art museum › 2 1/2 times as likely to do volunteer or charity work › 1 1/2 times as likely to attend sporting events, and › 1 ½ times as likely to participate in sports activities.

 Regular reading not only boosts the likelihood of an individual’s academic and economic success (not especially surprising), but it also seems to awaken a person’s social and civic sense.  Reading correlates with almost every measurement of positive personal and social behavior surveyed.