Why Dwyane Wade started one of America’s best summer reading programs in Wisconsin

By Christina Lorey

April 17, 2025

Marquette University has one of the country’s BEST summer reading programs — and it’s all thanks to alum Dwyane Wade, who famously missed his entire freshman season because of low grades!

The Hartman Center’s Tragil Wade-Johnson Summer Reading Program, launched in 2015, places students into small groups of three to five based on their reading level.

📚 Click here to “read” more about the program and how it works!

“When we have struggling readers in the regular classroom of like 25 or 30, they are good at hiding,” Christine Reinders, one of the program’s instructors, explained.

“Here, they’re in that small group and they really don’t have a choice. But what we’re so good at is providing the opportunities to feel successful so they WANT to participate.”

Students receive 90 minutes of targeted reading instruction each day, in addition to writing, team projects, and even science lessons — ALL of which practice reading skills!

📚 The BEST part? The program is completely free AND every kid who’s “graduated” has either maintained or increased their reading level.

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Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations. Send all story tips to [email protected] and sign up for her newsletter here.

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