From classrooms to careers: Celebrating literacy all week long

The week of March 2 is the nation’s largest celebration of reading

Education opens doors at every stage of life, and during Read Across America Week, Norfolk Southern employees and community partners bring that commitment directly into classrooms across the network.

Why this matters: From visits in elementary schools to adult workforce pathways programs, these coordinated efforts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, and beyond reflect a shared focus on strengthening communities through education.

Literacy grants in action: NS supports organizations that advance early literacy and adult education, helping learners build foundational skills and long-term career pathways.

In Pittsburgh, a $20,000 Thriving Communities grant supports Literacy Pittsburgh’s College and Career Pathways program, which serves nearly 4,000 adult learners annually. The program aligns instruction with regional workforce needs and expands access to career advising, employer connections, and workforce-aligned certifications.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the Literacy Council of Central Alabama received a $15,000 Thriving Communities grant to enhance literacy learning for kindergarten and first-grade students by training parents and caregivers to serve as at-home tutors. In partnership with Birmingham City Schools and Coaching a Better Reader, the program equips families with tools and strategies to strengthen reading skills beyond the classroom, reinforcing the foundational literacy skills that support long-term academic success.

Ambassadors in the classroom: In addition to the grants, Norfolk Southern ambassadors will host classroom events and school visits in several communities during Read Across America Week including Pittsburgh; Salem, Ohio; New Waterford, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Chicago, and Cleveland. In total, these visits will reach more than 500 students.

What they’re saying

“The College Pathways and Career Pathways programs help students transition seamlessly to post-secondary education and careers. From learning what to expect at college to meeting potential employers to gaining the study and workplace skills needed to succeed, these programs prepare students to go from learning to earning.” — Carey Harris, CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh

What we’re saying

“Education is the foundation of strong communities and a strong workforce. From early literacy to adult career pathways, Norfolk Southern is invested in helping learners at every stage build the skills they need to succeed. Read Across America Week is a powerful reminder that when we show up in classrooms, support educators, and connect learning to opportunity, we’re helping open doors.” — Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation and Community Impact.

Interested in applying for an NS grant? See more information here.

Chad Previch leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Sustainability, Community Impact, and Technology. He also manages messaging related to the company’s Government Relations and Investor Relations priorities. He joined NS in 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience.