Synopsis

The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor), is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program supports high-quality programs designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade in high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools. IAL promotes innovative literacy programs that support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities, including programs that (1) develop and enhance effective school library programs, which may include providing professional development for school librarians, books, and up-to-date materials to high-need schools; (2) provide early literacy services, including pediatric literacy programs through which, during well-child visits, medical providers trained in research-based methods of early language and literacy promotion provide developmentally appropriate books and recommendations to parents to encourage them to read aloud to their children starting in infancy; and (3) provide high-quality books on a regular basis to children and adolescents from low-income communities to increase reading motivation, performance, and frequency. By expanding access to high‐quality books, strengthening school library programs, and promoting early language and literacy development in low‐income communities, the IAL program directly advances the goal of increasing reading proficiency. These strategies build strong foundational skills from birth through adolescence, ensuring that children and students—particularly those in high‐need LEAs—receive the targeted supports necessary to improve their reading motivation, performance, and long‐term literacy outcomes.
Response Date	Jun 09, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Posting Date	Apr 08, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Archive Date	Jul 09, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Award Ceiling	N/a
Award Floor	N/a
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Independent school districts, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Additional Info on Eligibility:	N/a

Additional Information

Agency Name	Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Link to Additional Information:	https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-birth-grade-12/well-rounded-education-grants/innovative-approaches-literacy
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 202-693-2606

CFDA Program(s)

• 84.215: Innovative Approaches to Literacy; Promise Neighborhoods; Full-Service Community Schools; and Congressionally Directed Spending for Elementary and Secondary Education Community Projects