Deadline for KEA 2022-23 Read Across America Grants is September 15

Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read by encouraging communities to organize events and provide reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

The titles and resources featured by RAA include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different from them.

RAA also offers free resources to students, educators, and schools in need of books and reading materials. They can be accessed by visiting https://www.nea.org/professionalexcellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/support-your-readers/free-materials

Each year, KEA awards grants of up to $500 to local and district associations to fund RAA activities. Each KEA district or local can receive one grant per year. KEA judges grant requests on the degree to which they address the primary goal of promoting literacy, as well as on the following criteria:

• the extent to which the activity encourages participation by multiple categories (Active, Retired and Aspiring Educators) of KEA membership; 

• the number of children and students who are expected to participate; 

• the expected level of publicity and community outreach; 

• how the activity supports the development of strong KEA locals; 

• and other relevant criteria that may be established and considered by the grant committee.

This is a wonderful opportunity to involve all stakeholders—teachers, students, parents, and community—in the vital work of promoting literacy.

The application for KEA 2022-23 Read Across America grants is now open and will close on September 15, 2022. Please use the official online form to submit your application. KEA’s Membership, Organizing, Visibility and Engagement (MOVE) Committee will determine grant recipients. Winners will be notified by October 15, 2022.