Educational grants to expand literacy programs for Hispanic and other immigrant families

The National Center for Family Literacy is seeking five school districts to receive an award of $600,000 to implement the highly successful Toyota Family Literacy Program.

Awards will be made based on a competitive application process. Interested school districts must download, complete and return the Capability Survey to NCFL by 5 p.m. (EST), February 15, 2008.

NCFL is specifically seeking school districts that:

• Will implement the program in three elementary schools that provide K-3 education
• Demonstrate significant need for family literacy programming to serve an at-risk population of Hispanic and other immigrant families
• Provide a statement of support from the district superintendent
• Provide a statement of support from the local mayor or head of city council
• Demonstrate capability to deliver family literacy services beginning in the fall of 2008

TFLP development includes: Adult Education/ESL, Children’s Education, Parenting Education, and Interactive Literacy Activities for Parents and Children.

For an opportunity to apply for this strategic program, complete the Capability Survey (download from the button above right). The original and four (4) copies of the survey must be received at NCFL by 5 p.m. on February 15, 2008:

National Center for Family Literacy
Attn: Brenda Logan, Director of School Reform Initiatives
325 West Main Street, Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40202

Faxed or electronic copies will not be accepted.

A selection committee will determine those districts that will be invited to complete a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for this grant. A Bidders’ Conference will be held regarding the RFP. Those who will have the opportunity to complete a formal RFP will be notified in early March.

Only one survey may be completed by each school district.

 
About the Toyota Family Literacy Program

Toyota and the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) established the Toyota Family Literacy Program (TFLP) in 2003 to improve the language and literacy skills of Hispanic and other immigrant families. The program now runs in 60 elementary schools in 20 cities. 

Click here to view a map of TFLP sites.

Adults in the program show an average 21.6 percent increase in their ESL Educational Functioning Level. In addition, adults show increases in the number of library visits made each month, the frequency they read to their children, the number of visits made to their child’s school, and participation in community activities with their child.

Teachers rate TFLP children significantly higher than comparison children on nine academic, social and behavioral indicators, including motivation to learn, attendance, overall academic performance, and likelihood of future success in school.

NCFL is the leader in the development of comprehensive family literacy initiatives and provides training and technical assistance to all grant recipients over a three-year period. Many programs based on the Toyota model are able to demonstrate significant gains for families and leverage local funds to sustain programming well beyond the original grant cycle.