Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo Empowers Chicago-Area Students to Read With First-Ever “Power Up To Read” Program

March 05, 2019

Incentivized Program Will Offer Free C2E2 Badges to Students Who Read Eight Books by March 9

CHICAGO, IL – February 21, 2019 – Today, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest, announced that they are teaming up with 194 local schools and libraries to launch "Power Up To Read." The free program gives students between ages 6-14 the chance to earn a free 3-day badge to C2E2 simply by reading! In its inaugural year, ReedPOP is distributing 57,000 "Power Up To Read" participation worksheets and coupon codes to participating schools and libraries to help incentivize students to read more.

To partake in the program, students must attend a participating school and obtain a "Power Up To Read" worksheet from a school representative or download a copy from the Power Up To Read website. To complete the program, students must read eight books, comic books, or graphic novels from their school or library between now and March 9, 2019 and fill out the provided worksheet with the requested details on the books they read.

"We're always looking for new ways to work closely with the communities where our shows are," said Kristina Rogers, Event Director, ReedPOP. We're thrilled to be partnering with the Chicago Public Schools to rewards our youngest superheroes for reading and can't wait to welcome them to this year's C2E2. Who knows, we could be inspiring the next great author or comic creator!"

Once the students complete their worksheets, they can turn in the completed sheet to their school's representative in exchange for a promo code which can be redeemed by a parent or guardian and are valid for a free 3-day badge for the student, and 50 percent off two additional 3-day badges. Codes can be redeemed at C2E219.com/badges.

"Students, teachers and school librarians are reading and sharing more comics and graphic novels now than ever before. As graphic novels become part of our literacy toolkit in schools, we are grateful for partnerships like the one we have with ReedPOP, who have generously offered to incentivize student reading by offering free C2E2 attendance to our students who might not otherwise have the ability to attend, through their Power Up To Read program," said Kara Thorstenson, Library and Digital Media Manager, Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Digital Learning, Chicago Public Schools.

Starting in 2010, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) has become the largest pop culture and comic convention in the Midwest. This year's C2E2 will take place March 22-24 at Chicago's McCormick Place and tickets are on sale now. Featured talent this year includes: Paul Rudd (CluelessAnt-Man), Alicia Silverstone (CluelessBatman & Robin) John Barrowman (ArrowDoctor Who); John Francis Daley (Freaks and GeeksBones); Martin Starr (Freaks and GeeksSilicon Valley); The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai stars Ralph Maccio and William Zabka as well as expansive list of comic book talent.

For the latest news, visit C2E2.com and check C2E2's social media pages (FacebookTwitter, and Instagram).

ABOUT REEDPOP
ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading event organizer. ReedPOP is devoted exclusively to organizing and managing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and working with premium brands in the pop culture world to deliver once in a lifetime experiences for fans everywhere. ReedPOP is dedicated to facilitating celebrations of popular culture around the globe that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences. ReedPOP is proud to be a part of a portfolio of events that include New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) West, East, South, Australia and Unplugged, Emerald City Comicon (ECCC), BookCon, BookExpo, Keystone Comic Con, Oz Comic-Con, Comic Con India, Comic Con Paris, Comic Con Seoul, Star Wars Celebration, TwitchCon, ComplexCon and more. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan-based group of professionals uniquely qualified to serve those with whom they share a common passion.