The University of Iowa football team views spring practice as a time for development. Members of the team have taken that view to the community this month, sharing the message of literature with Iowa City youth.

This spring marks the third year of the Hawkeye Readers program, a partnership between the Iowa football team and the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization. More than a dozen student-athletes are currently visiting elementary schools in the area to promote the importance of literature at an early age.

What started as a three-week program in 2010 has blossomed into a six-week effort, with student-athletes stopping by the schools each week to answer questions, read to classrooms, or spend one-on-one time with students.

The idea began in 2010 after former Hawkeyes Nate Kaeding and LeVar Woods shared their volunteer experiences during their time in the National Football League. The Hawkeyes partnered with the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization to form a joint effort, impacting the lives of youth in the Iowa City community.

Fans will be able to see the results of spring development on the Kinnick Stadium turf next fall. The youth impacted by the development shared in the classroom will see the benefits for years to come.