WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded Reading & Math, Inc. in Minnesota a grant of $2,581,810 to improve childhood literacy. The funds, provided through the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, will be used to implement literacy-rich academic activities for Pre-K through third grade students.

“A family’s economic status should not limit their child’s ability to be successful students. The Innovative Approaches to Literacy program provides important literacy resources and enriches school library programs,” Klobuchar said. “This grant will help all children in Minnesota thrive and reach their full potential.”

"When I was a kid growing up in St. Louis Park, I had access to a world-class education system. All kids in Minnesota today deserve to have the same,” Franken said. “I’m pleased that this grant from the Department of Education will increase childhood literacy activities for children in our state who need them, including access to electronic resources that some of our young Minnesotans may not have at home."

The IAL grant program supports library programs designed to increase childhood literacy activities and access to a wide range of print and electronic resources for children and families living in high need communities.

Klobuchar and Franken have consistently urged the Senate Committee on Appropriations to maintain investment in the IAL grant program. 

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