Four more St. Louis-area public schools will receive funding and training aimed at improving reading among students in kindergarten through third grade as part of the third Emerson Early Literacy Challenge cohort.
Emerson has committed another $1 million to the initiative, bringing its total investment to $3 million. The program, operated with The Opportunity Trust, provides participating schools with training in evidence-based reading instruction, a $5,000 planning grant and a $200,000 implementation grant after completing the program.
“We know strong reading skills lay the foundation for success in school and beyond,” said Akberet Boykin Farr, Emerson vice president of human resources for corporate functions. She said the company is continuing to invest in approaches designed to help more students become capable readers.
District and charter public schools in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County are eligible. Applications are due Sept. 11. School and district leaders can learn more and apply at emersonliteracychallenge.org.