It’s TIME For Kids at PS 242 in Harlem: Stacie J, Entrepreneur, Fashion Model and Actor, Donates Magazine to Help Kids Learn to Read and Sets Example for Business Owners

Stacie J., who has appeared on Donald Trump's Apprentice and many magazine covers, today encouraged 4th graders in the after-school program at PS 242 in Harlem to reach for their passion to achieve their goals. Feeding kids hungry to read, Stacie J., a successful entrepreneur, fashion model, and actor, joined with MagazineLiteracy.org to launch "Reading is Fashionable," a national magazine-based literacy campaign. Stacie J. is a spokesmodel for "Reading is Fashionable," and set an important personal example for other business owners by donating TIME For Kids magazine to PS 242 to help students learn to read.

Harlem, NY (PRWEB) March 14, 2006 -- Stacie J, a successful entrepreneur, fashion model, and actor, who appeared on Donald Trump's The Apprentice TV show, today joined with teachers, and 4th grade students in the after-school program at PS 242 in Harlem, New York to celebrate “Reading is Fashionable,” a campaign that engages the fashion and style industries to help promote and spread the joy of reading to children and families.

Stacie, who owns a nearby Subway sandwich shop, and is serving as a national spokesmodel for the “Reading is Fashionable” campaign, donated a school-year subscription to TIME FOR KIDS news magazine to the school for each child in the after-school program. As a hands-on learning exercise, in a scene reminiscent of a bulb-flashing press conference, the students acted as “reporters” interviewing Stacie about her life, work and interests.

Stacie spoke to the children, encouraging them to find their passion, to study hard, and to stay in school so they could reach their goals. The students asked many questions and noted their own desires to one day become models, doctors, dancers, and teachers.

“Stacie underscored her personal commitment and generosity by sponsoring the TIME FOR KIDS magazines and has provided an important example for business owners, nationwide,” said John Mennell, Founding Director of the Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project (MagazineLiteracy.org). “Children’s magazines are a powerful resource for teachers and other community literacy agents. Our greatest challenge is finding the individuals and business owners who will launch literacy partnerships in their own communities to help children and families learn to read. The support of community stakeholders like Stacie puts wonderful magazines, such as TIME FOR KIDS, into the hands and hearts of children, and into their homes, where families can enjoy reading together,” he added.

“I’m so happy to be partnering with the Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project,” said Stacie J. “I think it is a great way to get kids involved and see the importance of reading. I look forward to this fun and exciting journey,” she added.

“We are delighted that Stacie chose TIME FOR KIDS magazine for the students at PS 242,” said Martha Pickerill, TIME FOR KIDS Managing Editor. “The excitement of news is a great tool to motivate kids to read. We are truly proud to be part of this initiative.”

About Stacie J (www.staciej.com)

As the second season of “The Apprentice” came to a close a remarkable chapter to Stacie Jones’ world opened up. From the modeling runways in New York to the sets of TV daytime dramas, to her own Subway fast food franchise in Harlem and finally to the Trump boardroom, Stacie has had a colorful career in media and business. When she moved to Harlem, Stacie saw a great opportunity to create jobs, provide a healthy food alternative and take advantage of an emerging market in her community. She operates the store with her family and hires staff entirely from the community.

About the Magazine Publishers’ Family Literacy Project (www.MagazineLiteracy.org)

The Magazine Publishers’ Family Literacy Project helps kids learn to read and build their self-esteem by organizing collaborative magazine industry, business and community partnerships that provide much needed magazines to schools, and community literacy programs. The project strives to unleash the awesome potential of children’s magazines as a powerful literacy resource for kids and families.

About TIME for Kids (www.timeforkids.com)

TIME For Kids is a leading weekly classroom news magazine that motivates kids to read. Issues cover a wide range of real-world topics kids love to learn about. A powerful teaching tool, TIME For Kids builds reading and writing skills and is easily integrated across classroom curriculum, including social studies, science and math.

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