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April 28, 2006

Pat McGuckin
Beth Kaufman

White Awards Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded 56 grants totaling $250,000 that will allow Illinois families to participate in this summer's Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy Program.

"This is the eighth year my office has awarded Penny Severns Summer Family Literacy grants, providing reading and learning activities for families during times when other reading programs may not be operating," said White. "Parents and their children who want to enhance their literacy skills need access to quality educational programs throughout the year, and this program fulfills that need while bringing parents and children closer together."

Last year more than 1,700 parents and nearly 2,900 children took part in programs operated by local providers.

White created the program in honor of the late State Senator Penny Severns (D-Decatur). The program provides classes to improve the basic reading, math, writing or language skills of parents and children. Services include instruction and interactive, reciprocal learning experiences that parents and children participate in together. Grants are awarded to educational agencies such as libraries, community colleges, community-based organizations, school districts, and volunteer literacy organizations.

"Illinois has an outstanding network of community-based literacy programs that are making a difference in the lives of citizens who want to achieve their utmost potential in life by improving their literacy skills," White said. "I am grateful, and Penny Severns would be as well, to the men and women who generously make time to work with literacy students."

Grant Recipients