#USA #Phoenix #Peter Piper Pizza #Arizona Education #Read Better Be Better

Peter Piper Pizza's Slice of Knowledge Initiative

Introduction

Peter Piper Pizza is back with its annual charity initiative, the Slice of Knowledge, which aims to raise funds to support education for children across Arizona. This year, they have partnered with Read Better Be Better, a nonprofit organization focused on improving literacy among young students. This exciting initiative will run from March 30 through April 26, 2026 and encourages the public to contribute in a fun and engaging way.

Background on Arizona's Educational Challenges

Arizona faces significant challenges in its public education system, ranking last in the nation. With the alarming statistic that nearly 25% of students fail to graduate high school, and only 26% of fourth graders are reading at grade level, the need for early literacy intervention is urgent. Research indicates that children who struggle with reading by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Recognizing this, the Slice of Knowledge initiative aims to combat these statistics through the support of literacy programs.

Partnership with Read Better Be Better

Read Better Be Better is an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering literacy by connecting young readers (kindergarten through third grade) with youth leaders (fourth to eighth grade). This peer-led model not only improves reading skills but also builds leadership confidence. Recent studies have shown that students in this program outperform their peers on state reading tests, highlighting its effectiveness and merit as an evidence-based intervention.

How to Participate

From March 30 to April 26, patrons visiting any Peter Piper Pizza location in Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque can support this cause by simply donating $2 at the register and in return receive five coupons for free 12-ounce ICEEs. For those ordering online, there's also the option to round up their total to the nearest dollar, with the extra change going directly towards the Slice of Knowledge Foundation's fundraising efforts.

As Genaro Perez, Chief Marketing Officer at Peter Piper Pizza, stated, “Our communities are full of potential, and we're proud to play a role in supporting the people and programs that help kids grow and thrive.” This campaign is a reflection of the brand’s commitment not only to family dining but also to the educational needs of the communities they serve.

Impact Goals and Past Achievements

Last year, the Slice of Knowledge campaign raised $10,000 for another nonprofit, Chicanos Por La Causa, to assist underserved youth through STEM education and tutoring resources. This year, the goal is to significantly increase contributions to ensure that more children in Arizona can benefit from essential literacy programs. Every dollar raised will help support the leadership and literacy programs offered by Read Better Be Better.

Conclusion

The return of the Slice of Knowledge initiative is a vital step towards fostering a love of reading among Arizona's youth while addressing the educational shortcomings faced by the state. With your help, there is potential for positive change. To learn more or find out how you can participate, visit peterpiperpizza.com and follow their social media for updates on the initiative. Join in making a difference for young learners in Arizona today!