FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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January 7, 2005

Pat McGuckin
Randy Nehrt

White Says Applications Available For Penny Severns
Summer Family Literacy Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that applications are now available for organizations interested in obtaining grants from the Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Program operated by the Secretary of State' Literacy Office.

"These grants are important because they fill a critical need for parents and children seeking literacy instruction during summer months, when many traditional literacy programs are closed," White said. "Students seeking to improve their basic reading, math, writing or language skills attend classes offered by libraries, community colleges, community based organizations, school districts and volunteer organizations.

"Last summer 55 local organizations received grants, providing literacy education to 1,882 parents and 3,199 children. I strongly encourage local organizations to apply for a grant so that parents and children can obtain the education they need to enhance their literacy skills and achieve their full potential."

White said applications are available online at http://literacy.kent.edu/illinois/grantinfo.htm, and must be received in the Illinois State Library's Literacy Office by March 1, 2005. The maximum grant is $4,800, and the grant program runs from May 1 to August 31.

White initiated the summer family literacy grant program in 1999 to honor the late State Senator Penny Severns (D-Decatur).