Encouraging a young man to read at an early age is paramount to his successful matriculation through school, and as importantly, through life. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2013, roughly 34% of all 4th graders scored at or above the reading proficiency level. However, of these students, only 17% were Black and 19% Hispanic, compared to 45% of the students being White. In fact, 54% of the Black and 50% of the Hispanic students scored below the basic achievement level. In 6 years since its 2007 study, the proficiency rate has only increased by 2%. In order for our youth to remain competitive in global education, it is essential that they are all reading at or above the proficiency level. 

The reliance on reading and mathematics skills are most important in today’s society. However, in addition to reading, a vast majority of students of color are being out performed by their peers in mathematics proficiency. In 2013, only 18% of Black students were at or above proficient in fourth-grade mathematics, compared to 26% for Hispanic students and 54% for White students. In fact, according to a 2013 report by the National Center for Educational Statistics, 34% of Black students and 27% of Hispanic students scored below basic. Unfortunately, the results are more devastating in Alabama where only 9% of Black 4th graders are at or above mathematics proficiency compared to 40% for White students. It is imperative that our students are provided with the necessary tools and interventions needed for improved academic achievement.

Prince Charming is a school-based program specifically designed for young males with a focus on mathematics, literacy, and critical thinking. Prince Charming encompasses a weekly curriculum that engages 35, 4th and 5th grade students at each school. The goal of this program is to encourage each student to develop a habit for reading and possess a deeper appreciation for math. Through Prince Charming, students become members of the NBA Math Hoops® team, and are provided annual subscriptions to Sports Illustrated for Kids and National Geographic Kids magazines. These magazines provide articles and passages of interest to our male students. As a result, the students are afforded an opportunity to read for pleasure, while increasing their proficiency. NBA Math Hoops® is a fast-paced board game and mobile app that allows students to learn fundamental math skills through direct engagement with actual statistics of their favorite NBA & WNBA players.