Description
The U.S. Department of Labor is soliciting applications for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program, which 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 and schools. The program promotes innovative literacy programs that support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities. Key priorities include projects that coordinate with school libraries to carry out grant activities, such as book distributions and childhood literacy activities, and projects that are designed to expand high-quality interventions or accelerated learning supports for students. The estimated available funds for this program are $16,800,000, and the estimated number of awards is 25-35.
• The program aims to increase reading proficiency by expanding access to high-quality books, strengthening school library programs, and promoting early language and literacy development in low-income communities.
• Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, consortia of such agencies, the Bureau of Indian Education, and eligible national non-profit organizations.
• The project period is 60 months, and the application deadline is June 9, 2026.
• Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs.
• The application package should include a project narrative, budget narrative, and other attachments, such as documentation of non-profit status and letters of support.