ATLANTA (WJBF) – Hundreds of students gathered at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta Monday morning to hear from former University of Georgia and NFL player Malcolm Mitchell, who shared his passion for reading and stressed the importance of starting young.

Governor Brian Kemp officially proclaimed the day as Georgia Reads Day, part of a statewide push to raise literacy rates and make reading a priority inside and outside classrooms.

Earlier this year, state lawmakers approved $18 million for the Georgia Council of Literacy, funding 265 literacy coaches across Georgia. Sixty of those coaches will work directly with schools through a continuous improvement program aimed at helping students — particularly in elementary grades — strengthen reading skills.

“We had to do something to address our literacy problem in Georgia,” said Scott Johnson, chairman of the Georgia Council of Literacy. “We can’t afford for our children not to be reading proficiently when they leave third grade and go into fourth grade.”

Data from Georgia Milestones shows nearly one-third of third graders read below grade level. Leaders say screening for dyslexia and other early challenges is key to preventing lifelong learning struggles.

Mitchell, who grew up in Valdosta and now leads the Share the Magic Foundation, told students that literacy is a gateway to opportunity.

“I believe if students work hard and dream, they can do amazing things,” Mitchell said. “Improving literacy rates is the only sustainable way forward.”

The literacy council is also reviewing curriculum, teaching strategies, and ways to better support low-income and minority families.

Earlier this year, the state recognized ten communities with the Georgia Reads Community Awards for improving literacy outcomes, with more awards planned for 2026.

Parents and teachers can also access new resources through the Georgia Reads Toolkit, available online at GeorgiaReads.org