Cocky's Reading Express is the University of South Carolina's literacy outreach program. USC students travel the state with their friend, Cocky, visiting elementary schools across South Carolina. The students read to the children, and Cocky helps the children understand the importance of life-long reading. The program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade because research shows that
if children acquire strong reading skills and a love of reading by the third grade they are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time. All the children are given books to take home, reminders of their visit from Cocky and the USC students. The USC students know they are making reading fun - one Gamecock at a time. Cocky's Reading Express is 100% funded by grants and gifts. Some of our funders include: BP America, Boeing, SCE&G, Colonial LIfe, BB&T, Nelson Mullins, and Central Carolina Community Foundation.
