Impact Reading Partners with Caitlin Clark Foundation to Bring the Joy of Reading to Kids in Indianapolis and Des Moines

This July, Impact Reading was proud to join the Caitlin Clark Foundation at two incredible back-to-school events—one in Indianapolis, IN and one in Des Moines, IA—where hundreds of students walked away not only with brand-new backpacks, but also with brand-new books they got to choose themselves.

The Caitlin Clark Foundation’s Backpack Giveaway events were designed to equip students with essential school supplies before the first bell of the year rings. In Indianapolis on July 26, Caitlin Clark—fresh off a season of inspiring fans nationwide—welcomed students and families for a celebration of learning. The following week, on July 29, the excitement continued in Des Moines, where her foundation paired the backpack giveaway with the ribbon cutting of a new community court at McCombs Middle School.

At both events, Impact Reading partnered with Scholastic to ensure that every backpack included books kids were excited to read. Students had the chance to browse a wide selection and pick out the titles that spoke to them—a small but powerful way to give young readers a sense of ownership and joy in their reading journey.

From the news coverage to the flood of social media posts, one thing was clear: these events weren’t just about supplies—they were about opportunity. For Impact Reading, that means putting books into the hands of kids who might not otherwise have access to them, building a foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

We’re honored to have been part of the Caitlin Clark Foundation’s mission to empower youth, and we look forward to future opportunities to connect kids with stories that inspire, challenge, and excite them.