Local Akers Mill Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator Marshall McCabe presents to Breakthrough Atlanta scholars as part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. Photo credit: Breakthrough Atlanta staff.
Media are invited to attend annual “1 Million Book Giveaway” event that distributes books across the country through the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Breakthrough Atlanta’s 11th grade students will distribute 130 books to students in their local community as part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™’s 1 Million Book Giveaway. The event takes place each school year and, this fall, is teaming up with Hands On Atlanta for Discovery Day @ Scott Elementary School to benefit 130 Fulton County students at that school.
Media are invited to attend the event between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at 1752 Hollywood Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 to capture footage of the students’ volunteer activities. Breakthrough Atlanta scholars and staff will be available for interviews. Please reach out to De’Monica Underwood, College Prep Programs Manager, at (470) 852-8909 directly to coordinate.
“This partnership with Chick-fil-A Leader Academy and Hands On Atlanta reflects exactly what Breakthrough stands for,” said Monique Shields, CEO of Breakthrough Atlanta and member of Hands On Atlanta’s Advisory Council. “Our scholars aren’t just preparing for college – they’re learning to lead with empathy and purpose. By sharing books and encouragement with younger students, they’re modeling educational achievement and good character for the next generation.”
Breakthrough Atlanta scholars are thrilled to take part in an event supporting K-5 students at metro Atlanta Title I schools – helping strengthen literacy and build pathways to future college success. Each donated book will include a personal note from a Breakthrough student, offering words of encouragement to Scott Elementary School readers who may face similar challenges – and reminding them of the power of education and perseverance.
In addition to the 1 Million Book Giveaway, Breakthrough Atlanta students will support Hands on Atlanta’s Discovery Day program initiatives – that include Health and Wellness, STEAM, and Social Emotional Learning activities.
“This partnership between Breakthrough Atlanta and Hands On Atlanta continues a long history of collaboration that began when Breakthrough’s first Teaching Fellows came from our AmeriCorps program,” said Dr. Chanika R. Perry, Interim President & CEO of Hands On Atlanta. “Today, we’re excited to renew that partnership through Discovery – our longest-running volunteer series – serving youth in Title I schools from kindergarten through fifth grade.”
Breakthrough Atlanta continues to close opportunity gaps caused by underfunded schools, educator shortages, and systemic barriers. Breakthrough Atlanta’s 11th grade students get a headstart on life through enrollment in the year-round College Prep Program that supports their pursuit of a four-year college degree. Many are first-generation college students, with families that are deeply involved in their education and proud of their journey.
The local 1 Million Book Giveaway is made possible through the partnership of Breakthrough Atlanta, Hands On Atlanta, and the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. Together, Hands On Atlanta’s mission to address the city’s most pressing needs, Chick-fil-A’s spirit of servant-leadership, and Breakthrough’s vision to expand educational access are coming together to create a powerful and lasting impact. As a result, 130 students will be able to take home new stories and resources that encourage learning.
In the 2024-2025 school year, Breakthrough Atlanta students pivoted their 1 Million Book Giveaway to benefit students in California impacted by the devastating wildfires. In partnership with SoCal College Attainment Network and Reading Partners Los Angeles, Breakthrough Atlanta donated 40 cases of children’s books to distribute to Pasadena elementary school students displaced from their schools due to the Eaton wildfire.
“I’m energized and inspired by our young people who are giving back to their communities by promoting the importance of reading,” said Tamika Ball, Ph.D., Director of College Prep Programs with Breakthrough Atlanta. “I’m excited to see the meaningful social impact our Chick-fil-A Leader Academy scholars will create throughout this school year.”
Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program focused on impact through action sponsored by local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators across the U.S., which inspires students to be the next generation of servant leaders and make a positive impact through action in their communities. Breakthrough Atlanta students participate in their junior year of high school. Over 1,200 schools in 43 states participate in the program and take part in the 1 Million Book Giveaway Challenge each fall. Chick-fil-A Akers Mill and local Owner-Operator Marshall McCabe are proud to sponsor Chick-fil-A Leader Academy at Breakthrough Atlanta.
For more information about the 1 Million Book Giveaway, reach out to:
De’Monica Underwood
College Prep Programs Manager, Breakthrough Atlanta
dunderwood@breakthroughatlanta.org
(470) 852-8909