Butterfly in the sky, we can fund quintuple times as high.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

LeVar Burton and his Reading Rainbow crew have pushed forward a Kickstarter to bring the children’s educational program forward to have a similar effect to the TV show of the 80’s.

The Kickstarter campaign is dedicated to extending the reach of Reading Rainbow beyond tablet apps. The goal is to bring it to impoverished classrooms, as well as extending it to computers and other devices. Unfortunately, the program will not be returning to television. “30 minutes on TV was yesterday’s world. In today’s world, today’s kids want today’s technology.” Burton explains in the Kickstarter’s official video.

“I believe that every child has a right, and a need, to be literate. We have a responsibility to prepare our children, and right now… we, as a society, are failing in that responsibility.” Burton writes on the Kickstarter’s home page. “We’re creating an unlimited library of books and video field trips for today’s digitally connected kids, delivered through browsers, right into schools and homes everywhere.”

The Kickstarter, which began in late May, has raised almost four million dollars as of writing. The campaign’s only stretch goal will be achieved at five million dollars, allowing Reading Rainbow to reach Mobile and Android devices, video game consoles, and TV boxes like the Roku and Apple TV; as well as allowing Reading Rainbow to be accessed in over 7,500 classrooms free of charge.

Rewards for donating to the campaign include bumper stickers at $10 to complete DVD collections of the original Reading Rainbow television show at $750. Don’t think that Geordi LaForge would abandon his loyal Star Trek followers, though. There is an entire special range of Trek rewards for those who just want some Trek back from their donations. These rewards include signed headshots, seeing Reading Rainbow live with the Men of Star Trek (Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn and Robert Picardo,) the Women of Star Trek (Kate Mulgrew, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, and Jeri Ryan,) William Shatner or Patrick Stewart, all the way to a private dinner with LeVar Burton and Brent Spiner, 4 tickets to a convention Burton will be attending, and a chance to wear Geordi’s VISOR prop all in one.

Burton has specifically called for help from his Trek fans. “The future Gene imagined doesn’t build itself… but if we work together, we can make it happen. We can’t do this without you, so please: whether you can give $5 or $5000, I hope you’ll join me.” The Kickstarter doesn't end for just over another week, so please, give thought to donating and helping it reach its ultimate five million dollar goal.