How Caitlin Clark turned a childhood memory into a 22,000-book impact

In early 2025, Caitlin Clark's philanthropic efforts took an unexpected turn. Instead of launching a new campaign or partnership, the WNBA star's foundation, the Caitlin Clark Foundation, announced a collaboration with Scholastic to distribute 22,000 books to under-resourced schools in Iowa and Indiana.

The idea originated from a childhood memory that still resonates with Clark. She recalled the thrill of picking out books from a Scholastic flyer during her formative years, feeling empowered and motivated to read. Clark wanted to give other children the same experience, fostering their reading skills and expanding their imaginations.

The partnership aimed to provide books to students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade through Scholastic's United States of Readers program. This initiative built upon a broader focus on education, nutrition, and sports that has been central to Clark's community work since 2025. Earlier that year, she supported the Coralville Community Food Pantry, raising over $100,000 for families facing food insecurity, and donated sports equipment and winter gear to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa.

While the 22,000 books may not generate headlines or scoreboard entries, their impact will be felt in classrooms, libraries, and homes across Iowa and Indiana. For many children, receiving a book that feels personally chosen could be their first opportunity to develop their reading skills and broaden their horizons. Clark's childhood memory of Scholastic's flyer has transformed into a lasting opportunity for thousands of students who need this support the most.