FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

September 15, 2004

Randy Nehrt
Pat McGuckin

White Announces Literacy Grants as Part of Literacy Month Celebrations

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White used the occasion of Literacy Month to announce the release of $6.2 million in fiscal year 2005 literacy grants.

"I'm pleased that we have made a strong commitment again this year to literacy programs in Illinois," White said. "This year's grants give our literacy providers some of the important financial resources they need to help students enhance their reading, writing, math and language skills. Our partnership with literacy providers and volunteer tutors gives students the tools that will help them achieve their personal and professional goals."

Every year in Illinois, Secretary White designates September as Literacy Month to spotlight the need to increase literacy levels for Illinois adults and families. Organizations such as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the International Reading Association and the National Institute for Literacy also schedule special literacy celebrations during September.

White said FY05 literacy grants are being awarded in three categories:

• Adult/Volunteer Literacy Grants provide training for volunteers who tutor adults over age 16 in basic reading, math, writing or language skills. Individual grants are awarded to libraries, community colleges, school districts, community-based organizations, volunteer organizations and correctional facilities. Almost $4.2 million is being awarded statewide this year.

• Family Literacy Grants provide instructional services to parents and children to enhance their basic reading, math, writing or language skills both together and separately. Participation by the entire family increases the benefits of the instruction. Individual grants are awarded to a partnership of educational agencies, including an adult literacy provider, a child-at-risk organization and a public library. Almost $1.5 million is being awarded in fiscal year 2005.

• Workplace Skills Enhancement Grants provide on-site instructional services to employees of Illinois businesses to enable them to enhance their basic reading, math, writing or language skills, maintain their employment and increase their eligibility for promotion. Individual grants are awarded to businesses that match the award and operate in partnership with an educational provider agency. More than $546,000 is being awarded this year.

White is also encouraging citizens interested in assisting Illinois literacy efforts to become a volunteer tutor. Persons may contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 1-800-321-9511 for information about becoming a tutor. For more information about the Secretary of State's literacy efforts, log on to

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/who_we_are/literacy/home.html.

List of Individual grant recipients, listing city, provider and amount of award. - PDF