Organizers of the Charlotte area's participation in the annual national Million Father March will hold a rally Thursday evening in hopes of helping accomplish the goal of the march -- getting more fathers involved in their children's education.

The Million Father March, which started in 2004 with involvement in a handful of cities, has spread to more than 500 cities across the United States, according to its sponsors.

The event is aimed at increasing the involvement of African American fathers in their children's education, but organizers hope it will spur all fathers to get involved. The goal is to start by having fathers take their children to school on the first day of classes -- which, for most area children, is next Thursday, Aug. 25.

The rally Thursday evening is planned for 6:30 p.m. at Newell Elementary School, 8901 Old Concord Road in northeast Charlotte.

Winners Plus Agency is the Charlotte sponsor of the Million Father March, which is sponsored nationally by the Black Star Project.

Organizers say a 2004 study by the Parent Institute shows scores on standardized reading tests are 50 percent higher and math scores 40 percent higher in schools where parents are heavily involved in their children's education.

In addition to taking children to school on the first day, fathers are asked to follow the news (or attend) school board meetings, attend PTA meetings and become involved with the PTA, and attend parent-teacher conferences.

Blanche Penn, a key organizer of Thursday evening's rally, said participants include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers, and other friends of the family.

"Strong family structures produce children who are more centered, academically proficient and socially developed, and are a valuable asset to their communities," Penn said.

All are invited to Thursday evening's rally.

For details, check www.winnersplusagency.org.