GLOCESTER – Former New England Patriots player Matt Light, co-founder of the Light Foundation and a Chepachet resident, visited West Glocester Elementary School to launch the Foundation’s LIGHT Project in Rhode Island. The outdoor literacy program aims to offer first graders a unique way to explore nature while developing a love for reading and hands-on learning.
Originally launched in Ohio in 2014, the project combines storytelling with outdoor activities and family engagement. Since its founding, it has supported more than 500 students annually, and it is now expanding into New England. Last week, it kicked off with the two first-grade classes at West Glocester Elementary, led by sisters and first-grade teachers Christy Long and Jen Shields.
During his visit, Light read “Lawrence in the Fall,” a story about seasonal exploration, then joined the children outdoors, encouraging them to collect and identify leaves and acorns.
“The visit reflected the Light Foundation’s mission to take young people beyond their everyday environments, providing them with unique opportunities that ignite their passion, purpose, and motivation to succeed,” noted a release from the organization, co-founded by an Ohio native who served as an offensive tackle for the Patriots for 11 years.
The LIGHT Project — an acronym for “Literacy, Inquiry, Getting Outside, Having Fun, and Time with Family” — aims to help students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. By pairing books with nature-based activities and journal reflections, the program encourages families to spend meaningful time together away from screens, fostering curiosity and connection.
“Bringing the LIGHT Project to Chepachet is incredibly special for me,” said Light. “Seeing these young students excited about reading and exploring the outdoors is exactly what we aim to inspire through this program and the Foundation.”
The 3x Super Bowl champion established the foundation with his wife Susie with the goal of helping young people develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create a meaningful and productive future. With programs such as its “Leadership Academy,” the Light Foundation’s mission is to take young people out of their everyday environments and provide them with unique opportunities that ignite their passion, purpose, and motivation to succeed.
The organization notes that studies reveal that children spend an average of just a few minutes outdoors each day, but more than seven hours in front of screens. With opportunities to earn prizes for reaching reading milestones, the LIGHT Project seeks to reverse the trend, motivating students to learn, explore and bond with family.
Now, the founders will look to expand the project further into New England and bring the benefits of outdoor literacy and family connection to more students in the region.
To learn more about the Light Foundation and its programs, visit www.mattlight72.com. Those interested in sponsoring a student or supporting the LIGHT Project’s growth, can contact [email protected].
