Houston Rockets and University of Phoenix

We have a game plan to improve literacy

Over the last four years, the University of Phoenix Houston Campus has been the Official Education Partner of the Houston Rockets. Together, we have worked toward a common mission to improve literacy in the Houston area and give students a game plan for their future success.

This partnership:

Provides opportunities for community members to get involved in local workshops and educational events
Engages young readers by providing incentives to increase reading which ultimately leads to enhanced skills and higher literacy rates for children
Brings local teams together with the Rockets to offer reading Time Outs that emphasize the importance of education and how reading is the foundation for a bright future

Literacy is a team sport

Learning to read is critical to a child’s success – both in school and in life. We at University of Phoenix want to help create a better world for the children in our communities with the Read.Play.Win! literacy program. Learn more about Read.Play.Win!

Reading Challenge

University of Phoenix and the Houston Rockets will tip-off the Read.Play.Win! literacy program with a six-week reading challenge with schools in the Greater Houston community. After the challenge, participating students and schools will be rewarded for their involvement.

Book Drive

From January 17th to February 17th, University of Phoenix and the Houston Rockets are teaming up to present the Read.Play.Win! Book Drive. The first 500 fans who bring two or more books to a Rockets home game will receive a ticket voucher to an upcoming Rockets home game and a chance to win an autographed Rockets jersey courtesy of University of Phoenix. Get more details about the Book Drive.

** If you're not able to attend a Rockets game during the book drive, learn how you can donate a book **

Houston Rockets Blacktop Battle

The Houston Rockets will host the 8th Annual Blacktop Battle presented by the University of Phoenix Houston Campus on Saturday, March 31st, and Sunday, April 1st.

The event is open to ages 8 and up. Teams will be able to showcase their basketball skills in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the streets surrounding Toyota Center. Teams will be divided by age and hoops experience. Players may also register for individual competitions such as the 3-point shootout, dunk contest and skills challenge.

The top teams in each age group and the top finisher in each individual competition will receive awards. All participants will receive a complimentary Houston Rockets game ticket, commemorative Blacktop Battle 2012 t-shirt and sponsor gifts. Check out the action from last year's battle.

Education is #1

Clutch, the Houston Rockets mascot, has a special book for children, Clutch’s Education is #1, available at Clutch's Hangout at the Toyota Center.