Fostering Future Leaders, One Book at a Time

Kids embarked on a literacy adventure at the 2025 New Worlds Reading Book Bash.

Helping Children Build a Foundation for the Future

It's often said that readers are leaders. That's why we're committed to supporting young people in becoming the leaders who will help our region thrive.

One way we do this is through our ongoing support of New Worlds Reading, administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning. New Worlds Reading is Florida's free at-home literacy program designed to strengthen literacy skills, build reading confidence and nurture a lifelong love of reading.

"Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading," said Stephanie Smith, vice president of State and Regional Affairs at Tampa Electric. "We're proud to support the work New Worlds Reading does to empower young people to learn, grow and imagine a future full of possibilities."

Since its start in 2021, New Worlds Reading has mailed more than 11 million free books and activities to hundreds of thousands of eligible children across the state, including nearly 50,000 in our service area. Kids can qualify if they're in VPK through 5th grade and aren't yet reading at grade level in Florida VPK programs, public schools or charter schools.

Each month during the school year, eligible children receive a free book tailored to their interests, along with engaging activities and resources for caregivers and children to enjoy together. Books and materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Braille.

Tampa Electric supports New Worlds Reading by choosing to direct a portion of our state tax contributions to the initiative through Florida's tax credit program. This allows us to support efforts to expand access to books and literary resources for children in our community, creating opportunities for learning and growth where they're needed most.

Join us in Helping Florida's Children Discover the Joy of Reading

You can apply for a child to receive free books each month or make a donation to support the work of New Worlds Reading. Together, we can help more young learners build the skills and confidence they need to thrive, one book at a time.