A program that helps ignite a love of reading in Oregon’s children is getting a boost from the UO as part of a friendly rivalry with its sister institution, Oregon State University.

The university is taking part in a fundraising challenge in support of the SMART program, which stands for Start Making a Reader Today. It works with children in preschool, kindergarten and the early primary grades to foster good reading habits, build literacy skills and enhance self-confidence, and also provide books directly to kids.

The 2016 Literacy Challenge on the CrowdRise crowdfunding site is raising money to support SMART. The UO is squaring off against OSU to see which institution can raise the most money to help the reading program.

The UO supports SMART as part of its commitment to educate the next generation and serve the state, both at the university level and from the moment children begin their journey on the road to a good education. Reading is a fundamental part of that journey.

To support the program and help the UO win the challenge, go to the 2016 Literacy Challenge website to make a donation. As of Tuesday, more than $4,000 had been raised and the Beavers held a narrow lead in fundraising.