Students from the Albert Einstein Academy Elementary School have raised more than $23,000 to help promote technological education at their school.

For 40 days, more than 280 students in grades K-6 participated in the school’s first-ever Read-A-Thon. Children were asked to read for 40 days, log their reading accomplishments and request donations for their efforts from friends and family.

The goal was to encourage students to read — especially during winter break — and help raise funds for their school. “We believe that our Read-A-Thon helped to empower our students,” said Scott Spector, principal of AEA’s elementary school. “By earning money for their hard work, our students realize that they can make a positive impact in their education.”

Elora Kawasawa was a prize winner in the Read-A-Thon.

The top five fundraisers were awarded prizes, including tickets to Disneyland and a Kindle Fire. The highest earner gained $1,040 in sponsorships!

An additional 30 participants were eligible to win raffle prizes, which include gift certificates from local sponsors or custom AEA backpacks.

The class with the most participation earned a complete set of books from Harper Collins publishers.

Albert Einstein Academy SCV Elementary School is in its first year as a public charter elementary school. The STEAM model school focuses on preparing students for the future of education, helping children become life-long learners.