SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White today announced the awarding of Fiscal Year 2003 grants to help finance local literacy programs throughout Illinois. White said the grants fund important programs throughout Illinois that help citizens achieve the reading, writing, math and language skills necessary to achieve their full potential.
"We have fostered strong partnerships with more than 200 literacy projects throughout Illinois," White said. "Local agencies use these funds to provide students with educational skills that allow them to become better parents, students and employees. I firmly believe that learning is a lifelong process, and our literacy programs in Illinois are helping students get on the path to greater success."
Grant recipients include libraries, community colleges, school districts, volunteer organizations, community based organizations and correctional facilities. The grants are provided through four types of programs administered by the Secretary of State:
- Community volunteer literacy programs provide one-on-one tutoring for adults over the age of 16 who want to improve their reading, writing, math and language skills. Programs may receive grants of up to $70,000.
- Family literacy programs provide parents with the educational skills they need to help themselves and their children. Providers may receive grants of up to $35,000.
- New Chapters programs provide on-site instructional services for parents and children who are temporarily housed at a domestic violence shelter facility. Grants of up to $20,000 are available to providers.
- Workplace Skills Enhancement grants provide on-site instructional services to employees of Illinois businesses to enable them to enhance the skills, maintain their employment and increase their chances for promotion. Matching grants of up to $10,000 are available to employers.
"I have visited many of the local programs funded by these grants and have seen the difference they are making in the lives of the students," White said. "I want to thank the dedicated volunteers and professional staffs who are working hard to help students achieve their goals. I also want to commend the students for their drive and perseverance to reach greater personal and professional satisfaction."
White urged citizens who want to become volunteer literacy tutors to contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 1-800-321-9511.
A list of FY03 Literacy Grants
