Read to the Final Four
®
Established to support the NCAA's dedication to education, Read to the Final Four debuted at the 2016 Men's Final Four and has made a significant impact on students nationwide, helping them accumulate an impressive 121+ million minutes of reading!
Schools, teachers and students who participate in this tournament-style challenge (complete with Selection Day and bracket) get a shot at scoring fun prizes, free books and a library makeover as they go head-to-head for the title of Reading Champion!
The NCAA Men’s Final Four and the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee are joining forces once again to bring Read to the Final Four to local third grade classes.
Important Dates
NCAA Read to the Final Four Program Tip-Off
October 17, 2024
This tip-off event celebrates the launch of the Read to the Final Four program where more than 400 students were invited to represent their school districts at the Magik Theatre. With special guests, a DJ spinning tunes, cheerleaders hyping up the crowd, and an emcee to keep the excitement going, this celebration was a real Reading Pep Rally!
Regular Reading Season
November 4 - December 15, 2024
Get ready for the ultimate reading showdown! This fall, more than 26,000 students in the San Antonio area will dive into an exciting reading challenge to see which school can log the most minutes read! Let’s see who can read their way to the top! Let the reading adventure begin!
Holiday Tournament
December 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Even though our fall reading challenge has wrapped up, the fun isn’t over yet! Get ready for the Holiday Reading Tournament! The Holiday Tournament is an optional, individual challenge for students who want to keep reading over the break. It’s a great way for kids to boost their personal scores and stay engaged out of the classroom. Dive into magical adventures or explore new worlds online as a way to stand out from your peers and be recognized as a Reading Leader!
Bracket Challenge
January 13 - March 9, 2025
Qualifying schools from the Fall will enter the Bracket Challenge. The heart of the competition, the top 68 schools go head-to-head in a fun NCAA Bracket-style tournament and advance through rounds by reading more than their opponents. Each round narrows the field, leading to the ultimate showdown for the Reading Champion title.
Read to the Final Four Championship Celebration
April 4, 2025
The top four schools will experience an incredible day at the NCAA® Men's Final Four® Fan Fest Presented by Capital One dedicated to celebrating the reading achievements of all participants. There will be special recognition for the top-performing schools, a reveal of the total amount of minutes read and the crowning of the ultimate Reading Champion! It’s going to be a day full of fun, friends, and lots of cheers!
