Since its launch in 2022, the Los Angeles Rams' Rams Readers program has grown into one of the organization's most impactful community initiatives, bringing the power of storytelling and the excitement of football into classrooms across Southern California as well as internationally. What began as a literacy outreach effort has quickly evolved into a far-reaching program that is helping thousands of students discover the joy and opportunity that reading can bring.
In just a few years, the Rams have hosted more than 200 Rams Readers and Rams Reading Challenge assemblies worldwide, including 174 assemblies across Los Angeles, creating engaging literacy experiences for more than 42,000 elementary school students. Through these visits, the Rams have distributed over 42,000 books and brought interactive reading programs to more than 150 elementary schools across over 30 school districts throughout the region, including Los Angeles Unified School District.
At the heart of the program is Ride with Rampage, the Rams' children's book that introduces young readers to the excitement of reading through the adventures of the team's mascot. During Rams Readers assemblies, students gather to hear the story read aloud by Rams players, Legends, staff, and cheerleaders, with witty reactions from Rampage himself. The event transforms a traditional classroom reading session into an engaging and memorable experience. Each student who attends receives their own copy of the book, allowing the excitement of the event to continue long after the assembly ends.
While the program's roots are firmly in Los Angeles classrooms, its reach has also extended far beyond Southern California. The Ride with Rampage book is available in several of the Rams' international markets, including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. To make the story accessible to even more young readers around the world, the book has been translated into Spanish and Mandarin, allowing students in multiple countries to experience the same storytelling adventure that began in Los Angeles classrooms.
The Rams' commitment to literacy also extends through national partnerships that celebrate reading in communities across the country. Earlier this month, part of a nationwide celebration of Read Across America Day, the Rams joined Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Creative Minds Publications for the 10th annual Tackle Reading event. During the event, the Rams hosted Dr. Seuss themed assemblies where students gathered to hear the classic "The Cat in the Hat" while participating in literacy focused activities alongside Rampage, Rams cheerleaders, and members of the Rams organization staffing the assemblies. Students participating in the event also received their own Dr. Seuss book, while schools were gifted collections of books and supplies designed to further support classroom reading. Rams Legend Roland Williams joined the celebration, helping bring the excitement of the event to life and reinforcing the importance of literacy throughout the community.
For educators who host Rams Readers events, the program's impact is often visible immediately in the excitement students bring to reading.
"Our students were incredibly excited when the Rams Readers program came to campus," said Lisa Christy, librarian and media specialist at McGrath Elementary School in Newhall. "The experience went far beyond reading as it built confidence, encouraged a love for learning, and made our students feel seen and supported by their community. Seeing their enthusiasm as they connected literacy with the energy of the Rams organization was truly meaningful for our McGrath Mountain Lions."
Building on the momentum created by the assemblies, the Rams expanded their efforts through the Rams Reading Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage students to develop consistent reading habits both in the classroom and at home. For the second year in partnership with After-School All-Stars, the Rams brought the challenge directly into schools across Los Angeles.
With support from Disneyland Resort, the challenge expanded its reach to include fourth and fifth grade students, in addition to first, second, and third graders. Each participating student received a reading toolkit that included reading logs, Rams Readers bookmarks, activity guides, crayons, and classroom reading posters designed to keep students engaged and motivated throughout the program.
The impact of the challenge is proven to be remarkable. Participating students in the 2025 challenge collectively logged 4.8 million minutes of reading, demonstrating the powerful effect that encouragement, access to books, and engaging programming can have on young students regardless of where they come from. The number was double the minutes logged last year and totaled the program at more than 7 million minutes read since it began in 2023.
For school leaders, the experience has created memorable moments that extend beyond literacy and into the broader community.
"Thank you, L.A. Rams," said Maria Serrano, principal of Soleil Academy in Lynwood. "Our students enjoyed participating in and benefited tremendously from the reading challenge. Our school community thoroughly relished the chance to host Rampage, the Rams cheerleaders, and Kyren Williams. Thank you, of course, for the Disneyland tickets. Many of our students and families will be enjoying Disneyland for the first time thanks to you."
The continued growth of Rams Readers reflects the Rams' broader commitment to youth development and community impact throughout Southern California. In 2025 alone, Rams community initiatives engaged 29,926 students in education, health, and wellness programs while reaching 603 schools across the region. Across all outreach efforts, the organization also involved 35,066 youth in football and youth development initiatives, supported 130 nonprofit organizations, donated 9,108 tickets to community groups, and contributed 4,194 hours of community service by players, staff members, cheerleaders, and mascot Rampage.
Together, these milestones highlight the growing reach and importance of Rams Readers. What began in 2022 as a literacy initiative in Los Angeles classrooms has quickly expanded into a program that now spans tens of thousands of students, millions of minutes of reading, hundreds of schools, and even international communities. By combining the influence of professional sports with the power of education, the Rams continue to demonstrate that their greatest impact is not only measured on the field but also in the classrooms and communities they serve.
