(Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation is proud to celebrate a new investment in student literacy, made possible through a generous $10,000 donation from Pilot Company.
This contribution, awarded through Pilot’s Miles of Good initiative, will support Dallas ISD elementary schools by expanding access to books through innovative book vending machines—helping foster a love of reading and improve literacy outcomes for students across the district.
Expanding Access to Books—and Opportunity
Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and ensuring students have access to engaging, high-quality books is critical to their success.
Pilot’s investment will directly support the purchase of books and book vending machines, an initiative that has already demonstrated strong impact across Dallas ISD campuses.
“Books play such a critical role in the development of literacy,” said Dr. Debbie Ramos, assistant superintendent of early learning and enrollment at Dallas ISD. “What a gift to get engaging and relevant books into the hands of students in such an innovative and exciting way.”
Book vending machines provide a unique and motivating way for students to engage with reading—allowing them to select books of their choice and build personal libraries that reflect their interests.
A Proven Impact Across Dallas ISD
Across Dallas ISD, book vending machines have become a powerful tool for increasing student engagement and strengthening reading culture.
“We have witnessed the direct impact of book vending machines on our elementary school campuses—from enhancing reading culture in schools to improving reading scores across the district,” said Mita Havlick, executive director of the Dallas Education Foundation. “We are grateful to Pilot not only for their donation, but more importantly, for their commitment to our kids and community.”
By making books more accessible and exciting, these programs help students develop strong literacy habits early—setting them up for long-term academic success.
A Commitment to Community
Pilot’s donation is part of a broader investment in the Dallas community, tied to the completion of a newly remodeled Flying J Travel Center in southern Dallas.
As part of their Miles of Good initiative, Pilot focuses on supporting education, safety, and veterans—demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the communities they serve.
This partnership reflects a shared belief between Pilot and the Dallas Education Foundation: that investing in students is one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting impact.
Shaping Futures Through Literacy
At the Dallas Education Foundation, we know that when students have access to the right resources, they thrive.
Through partnerships like this, we are able to bring innovative programs—like book vending machines—to more campuses, reaching more students and inspiring a lifelong love of reading.
We are grateful to Pilot Company for their investment in Dallas ISD students and for helping us continue to expand opportunities that support literacy, learning, and student success.
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving postsecondary success, and championing educators. Learn more at dallasedfound.org and follow @dallasedfound on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and YouTube.
About Dallas Independent School District
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs, and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
About Pilot
Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”) keeps North America’s drivers moving as the leading energy and experience provider people rely on to fuel their journeys. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and employs approximately 30,000 team members. As the largest network of travel centers, Pilot has more than 900 locations in 44 states and five Canadian provinces, serving an average of 1.2 million guests per day. In addition to travel center services, Pilot and its partners offer trucking fleets a variety of solutions for fuel, credit, factoring, maintenance and rewards. The company operates the third largest fuel tanker fleet in North America and supplies approximately 12 billion gallons of fuel per year. Pilot is committed to shaping the future of energy as one of the largest providers of biodiesel and renewable fuels and through the development of its EV charging network and low carbon fueling alternatives. For additional information about Pilot, visit PilotCompany.com.
