As a preparer of “visionary leaders” for service in this global society, Claflin University has a heightened awareness of the importance of a literate population and takes seriously the responsibility to contribute to a better future for all. The Program for Service Learning and Community Service in the Division of Student Development and Services has implemented The Panther Reading Express. Students who volunteer for The Panther Reading Express work to increase literacy skills among PreK- 4th grade children in local public schools by reading aloud to students and donating books to the school. Reading provides children and adults with endless hours of fun and entertainment and numerous studies have shown that such language exposure is the foundation for early language skills, reading ability, and school readiness. Children develop language skills through hearing words spoken. Reading to children stimulates and expands their vocabulary growth and oral language skills. Books expose children to more words than they would normally encounter, which helps them to understand more spoken words. Statistics show that 16% of parents with children under three years of age do not read to their children at all and 23% of parents read only once or twice a week. Reading difficulties and illiteracy contribute to school failure, increasing absenteeism, school drop-outs, juvenile delinquency, increased crime, teenage pregnancy, drug use and other problems that impact the community. With The Panther Reading Express, college students volunteer at local schools throughout the city and county to engage students through language activities. The goals of Panther Reading Express are to show children how to celebrate reading as a way to learn and succeed in life, and to encourage parents to read with their children. Mr. Brandon Priester, AmeriCorps VISTA Member, has worked tirelessly in ensuring the success of this program and guiding student volunteers.