LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2009) –  The National Center for Family Literacy announced today that Byron Pitts, the Emmy-winning CBS national correspondent and “60 MINUTES” contributor, will join its Board of Advisors.

Pitts rose to fame after overcoming illiteracy and a stuttering problem with the support of his mother, a college roommate and educators.

“NCFL is in the trenches when it comes to literacy, and that’s where the real work is done: one child, one family at a time,” Pitts said. “For those of us who want to see tangible results for our efforts, NCFL is the place to be.

“I would not be on ‘60 MINUTES’ today without my family and a small community of teachers, coaches and counselors who had both the skill and the patience to help me.”

Pitts first became involved with NCFL when he spoke at its national conference in Louisville in 2008.

Today, he reports some of the world’s biggest stories – from being at Ground Zero immediately following 9-11 to covering the war in Iraq as an embedded reporter.

Pitts has chronicled his story in a book being published today, Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges. Pitts will share his message and book at NCFL’s 2010 National Conference on Family Literacy on April 11, 2010 in San Antonio. In addition, he has become the first author to join NCFL’s A PENNY A BOOK® initiative to benefit family literacy across the country.

“His story is the quintessential example of the success that is possible when a parent, educators and community members refuse to let someone settle for less than his or her potential,” said Emily Kirkpatrick, vice president of NCFL. “Byron’s story reminds us that literacy is fundamental driver of progress.

“Working together, we will build on NCFL’s 20 years of excellence to reach more families and create more success stories like Byron’s.”

The book is available nationwide. In addition, NCFL partner Better World Books is donating 100 percent of net profits for books sold at www.betterworldbooks.com.

ABOUT NCFL
The National Center for Family Literacy is the worldwide leader in family literacy. More than 1 million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL’s work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers. For more information, visit www.famlit.org .