Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin have announced the distribution of $45.9 million in Comprehensive Literacy State Development grants to 33 schools and districts across Ohio. This funding is part of a larger $60 million grant awarded to Ohio by the U.S. Department of Education, aimed at strengthening literacy programs statewide.
A Statewide Push to Raise Literacy Rates
With leadership from Governor DeWine and through the ReadOhio initiative, Ohio is pushing forward efforts to increase literacy achievement at every grade level. These newly awarded grants will expand evidence-based literacy instruction for students from kindergarten through 12th grade and provide professional learning opportunities for teachers. A special focus will be placed on enhancing literacy outcomes for underserved student populations across the state.
“Literacy is the foundation for all learning,” Governor DeWine said. “By investing in our educators and aligning instruction to the Science of Reading, we are giving every Ohio student the opportunity to read confidently, succeed academically, and reach their full potential.”
Comprehensive Support for Schools and Families
The grants will establish comprehensive literacy sites where schools will offer literacy coaching, professional development for teachers, and daily reading instruction aligned with high-quality learning materials. These schools will also engage in specialized training aimed at promoting family involvement in literacy development. Additionally, they will partner with local libraries, community organizations, and higher education institutions to boost student success.
“Ohio is investing in long-term literacy success,” Director Dackin said. “The learning experiences we provide today lead to tomorrow’s opportunities and these grants empower schools to deliver high-quality, research-based instruction, ensuring every learner receives the right tools to succeed.”
Out of 174 applications submitted by districts and schools, only 33 were selected through this competitive process. Ohio stands out as one of 23 states chosen by the U.S. Department of Education and received the second-largest funding award in the country.
For a full list of the grant recipients, interested readers can view the official announcement on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website.
