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Free Evidence-Based Resources for Literacy Success
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Press Kit (Fact Sheet)
Everything you need to promote this year’s contest is below — including key facts, dates, logos, and social media posts. All materials are free to use in your newsletters, social posts, websites, or printed handouts.
Media Assets
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Press Release - Download here
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Flyer (PDF) - Download here
Title
Clash of the Heroes
Host
National Center on Improving Literacy
2025 Collaborators
The National Center on Improving Literacy collaborates with and supports organizations and individuals who share mutual educational interests.
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Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
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Boys Town North Florida
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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
Description
Every hero has a story — and Clash of the Heroes helps students bring theirs to life.
Clash of the Heroes is a summer literacy program designed for students in juvenile detention or rehabilitation programs. Developed by the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL), this initiative uses creative writing and character design to build storytelling and conflict-resolution skills.
The contest unfolds in two parts:
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Part 1: Students create, name, and draw their own concept artwork for a new superhero.
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Part 2: Students develop and write a backstory to place their hero in a conflict-resolution scenario.
Students must complete both parts to qualify. Top submissions are selected by each program and published on the NCIL website for public voting. The winner from each program will have their story and artwork professionally presented and shared online.
Prizes
Finalists will be publicized on the NCIL website for public voting. The winning submissions will be transformed into professionally illustrated one-page comics.
Hashtags
#ClashoftheHeroes
#COTH2025
Website
https://www.improvingliteracy.org/clash-of-the-heroes-2025
Key Dates
2025 Public Voting Schedule:
Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
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Program Finalist Deadline: August 8
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Public Voting: August 11 (12:01 am) – August 12 (11:59 pm)
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Winner Announced: August 13
Boys Town North Florida
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Program Finalist Deadline: August 8
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Public Voting: August 11 (12:01 am) – August 12 (11:59 pm)
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Winner Announced: August 13
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
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Program Finalist Deadline: September 5
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Public Voting: September 8 (12:01 am) – September 9 (11:59 pm)
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Winner Announced: September 10
Contact: nciliteracy@gmail.com
NCIL Social Links:
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YouTube - @improvingliteracy
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Facebook - @improvingliteracy
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LinkedIn - @national-center-on-improving-literacy
NCIL Logo
Contest Logo
Social Media Image (1080 x 1080 px)
Suggested Facebook Post
The National Center on Improving Literacy's Clash of the Heroes contest is back!
Students in juvenile justice programs across the U.S. have created incredible superheroes and written powerful stories — now it’s your turn to help choose the winners. Top entries will be professionally illustrated and featured online.
🗓️ Round 1 of public voting starts August 11
🔗 Learn more: https://www.improvingliteracy.org/clash-of-the-heroes-2025
#ClashoftheHeroes #COTH2025
@improvingliteracy
Suggested LinkedIn Post
The National Center on Improving Literacy's Clash of the Heroes contest is back!
This annual competition gives students in juvenile justice programs the chance to build literacy skills through superhero storytelling and creative writing.
You can help uplift youth voices by choosing your favorite student-created hero! Top entries will be professionally illustrated and featured online.
🗓️ Round 1 of public voting starts August 11!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.improvingliteracy.org/clash-of-the-heroes-2025
#ClashoftheHeroes #COTH2025 #LiteracyMatters
@national-center-on-improving-literacy
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