Foundations, Inc. Honors Literacy Advocate Maya Smart with 2025 Champion of Children Award
Foundations, Inc., a national leader in education, is proud to announce Maya Smart as the recipient of the 2025 Champion of Children Award, an honor bestowed annually on individuals making extraordinary strides to improve the lives of children and families living in poverty.
A passionate literacy advocate, parent educator, and author of the acclaimed book Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan from Birth to Six (Avery/Penguin Random House), Maya Smart has inspired countless families to embrace the power of early literacy. Her website, MayaSmart.com, shares weekly book recommendations, creative literacy activities, and free resources that empower parents to be their child’s first teacher and strongest advocate.
Smart’s influence extends beyond her written work. With a bachelor’s in social studies with honors from Harvard University and a master’s degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University, she serves as affiliated faculty in Educational Policy and Leadership at Marquette University. Her dedication to literacy as a tool for equity and empowerment has positioned her as a leading voice for change in how families and communities support young learners.
“Research and experience have taught us that early learning is critical to a child’s success in school and in life. Maya not only focuses on the role of parents, but she provides a practical roadmap for them in her book, Reading for Our Lives – a must-read for families and educators!” said Rhonda H. Lauer, President and CEO of Foundations Inc. “Maya has provided the nourishing words and the actions that will help us ignite a child’s passion for learning, building the knowledge, skills, and confidence children need to thrive. It is a privilege and a true pleasure to honor her as our 2025 Champion of Children!”
A Contribution That Inspires Giving
As part of the Champion of Children Award, Foundations, Inc. will donate to a charity chosen by the honoree. Smart selected Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, a nonprofit that incorporates books into pediatric care to encourage families to read aloud together, laying the groundwork for lifelong success. This meaningful gesture underscores the heart of Smart’s mission: fostering a love of learning and literacy from the earliest moments of life.
Celebrating Excellence at Beyond School Hours 2025
Maya Smart will formally accept the Champion of Children Award during a special ceremony at the 28th annual Beyond School Hours National Education Conference, held on February 14, 2025, in Orlando, FL. This momentous event, bringing together over 2,000 educators, thought leaders, and distinguished guests, will spotlight Smart’s groundbreaking work and the ongoing need to advocate for quality education for all children.
Past recipients of the Champion of Children Award include legendary singer Dolly Parton, founder of Imagination Library; Super Bowl champion and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell, creator of the Share the Magic Foundation; and former First Lady Barbara Bush, whose legacy lives on through the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
A Call to Action for Literacy Advocates
Smart’s award and the Beyond School Hours conference offer an incredible opportunity to explore the intersection of education, advocacy, and community action. Media outlets, educators, and literacy champions are invited to celebrate this milestone and share Smart’s inspiring story with their audiences.
For more information about the event, visit www.beyondschoolhours.org or www.foundationsinc.org.