The Charlotte Hornets and Bank of America used books to boost attendance.

Attendance is not just about being physically present in class; it's about engaging in learning, building social skills, and setting the foundation for future success.

Recognizing the critical importance of consistent school attendance, Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CIS-Charlotte), in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), Bank of America, and the Charlotte Hornets came together to improve student attendance through a new incentive program.

“We are excited to support the new Attendance+ program and to encourage students to attend school,” said Hornets President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield to NBA.com

"A strong education will be vital for these students as they get older and move on to the next stages of their lives, and it is important that we do our part to help ensure that they are in school to receive that education. We are proud to join Communities In Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Bank of America in this effort, and we hope that other companies will engage in this initiative so every school that needs a vending machine can have one.”

Absenteeism is on the rise in schools across the country. The attendance program came at a crucial time. Chronic absenteeism rates have risen significantly, worsened by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Consistent school attendance is essential for students to obtain the academic, social and emotional skills needed to be successful,” stated Men Tchaas Ari, CIS-Charlotte’s President and CEO in an interview with NBA.com “Chronic absenteeism has real-life consequences for students, families and society.”

By providing rewards such as tickets to events, museums, or a free book from the vending machine, the initiative strives to reengage students. Staff hopes it will foster a culture of attendance across participating schools.

Encourages Attendance and Positive Behavior. Bank of America and The Charlotte Hornets have partnered to create the "Attendance+" program, aiming to improve school attendance by offering incentives for consistent attendance and positive behavior. Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine complements this program by providing a tangible reward system. Students earn tokens for good attendance, which they can exchange for books from the vending machine, making school attendance and positive behavior rewarding and exciting.

Enhances Literacy and Engagement. Access to a variety of books through the vending machine encourages students to read more, both at school and at home. This continued engagement with reading helps improve literacy skills, academic performance, and a love for learning.

Collaboration and Support. The collaboration between Bank of America, The Charlotte Hornets, Global Vending Group & Promising Pages (A book bank in Charlotte, NC), ensures that the machines are stocked with engaging, high-quality books.

• The book vending machine at Quail Hollow was donated by Bank of America and the Charlotte Hornets.
• Global Vending Group created a custom co-branded design for the book vending machine.
• Local partners are inspired to follow suit by offering rewards like concert and sports tickets to students who attend regularly.
• Promising Pages, a book bank in Charlotte, will provide books for the vending machine.