TEDNA

Program Description: 

The IAL program supports high-quality programs designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade in high-need local educational agencies (high-need LEAs, as defined in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)) and schools. The Department intends to support innovative programs that promote early literacy for young children, motivate older children to read, and increase student achievement by using school libraries as partners to improve literacy, distributing free books to children and their families, and offering high-quality literacy activities.

Many schools and districts across the Nation do not have school libraries that deliver high-quality literacy programming to children and their families. Additionally, many schools do not have qualified library media specialists and library facilities. Where facilities do exist, they often lack adequate books and other materials and resources. In many communities, high-need children have limited access to appropriate age- and grade-level reading material in their homes.

The IAL program supports the implementation of high-quality plans for childhood literacy activities and book distribution efforts that are supported by evidence of strong theory (as defined in the NIA).

• Eligibility Requirements: High-need local educational agencies, national nonprofit organizations, and coordination with school libraries.
• Application Deadline: 7/17/2014
• Available: LEAs: $150-750K; and NNPs: $3-14M over a period up to 2 years!
• Estimated Number of Awards: LEAs: 30; and NNPs: 1-4

For more information about this program and its application and submission process, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website!