Dozens of children’s literacy projects in Salem will soon receive funding, thanks to a new round of grants from the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub.
More than $255,000 in mini-grants will be distributed to 54 local organizations. These grants are aimed at getting books into the hands of children and into classrooms throughout the community.
Recipients include trusted local groups such as the Kroc Center, Salem Public Library, and the Center for Hope and Safety. Books and learning activities will also be available in unexpected places like flea markets and gyms to reach more families where they are.
The funding supports a broader state initiative to improve reading skills for children from birth through third grade. The effort comes in response to concerning test results from last year. More than 75% of third graders in Salem were not reading at grade level, a rate higher than the state average. Schools with higher poverty rates and more English language learners had even lower scores.
The Learning Hub hopes the grants will help close that gap. A statement released on May 14 explained the funds will be used to increase access to early education and give families more support at home.
Each grant recipient is an established organization that already serves local families. With the new funding, they will be able to launch small libraries, send books home with kids, and create family-friendly events that promote reading.
Lisa Harnisch, executive director of the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, said the grants were designed to encourage new and creative approaches.
“We wanted to provide flexibility with this grant in hopes of receiving some ‘out of the box’ and creative ideas to incorporate literacy-nutritious experiences in our community that are accessible to families,” she said in a statement.
She added that early access to books and support is critical. “We need to do our part to help ensure children have access to materials and supports at the earliest ages to ensure they are reading on grade level by third grade.”
