Youth Leaders for Literacy Grants 2009

Support for Student-Lead Projects

What is Youth Leaders for Literacy?

Youth Leaders for Literacy is an initiative of the National Education Association (NEA) and Youth Service America (YSA) to help youth direct their enthusiasm and creativity into reading-related service projects. During the six-week program period and beyond, we hope to create a groundswell of literacy service in communities across the country.

The NEA and Youth Service America developed the Youth Leaders for Literacy program in 2001 to encourage and celebrate literacy service of our nation's young people, and to provide them with resources to conduct reading-related activities that benefit others. Making a difference in the lives of America's children is what the relationship between the NEA and YSA is all about.

Why participate?

Something powerful happens in literacy service. There is the intrinsic reward of community involvement, but youth also learn about themselves and the importance that reading plays in their own lives. The ability to read makes everything else possible, including the opportunity to make meaningful, lifelong contributions to family, community, and the world.

More information

• Who can apply?
  Applicants, ages 21 or younger, can be either individuals or groups.
  
  
• When is the deadline?
  Grant applications must be postmarked by November 20, 2008.
  
  Applications are available here ( 69KB, 4pp).
  
  
• How many grants are awarded?
  Each year NEA awards 20 grants of $500 each to student-led initiatives.
  
  
• When are winners announced?
  Winners are usually announced in late December.
  
  
• What kinds of activities are acceptable?
  To be eligible for grant funds, applicants must include a scheduled activity (read aloud session, trip to the library, book-making, etc.) each week of the project period as part of the proposed service project.
  
  
• Are winners obligated to report on their projects?
  Yes. Grant award winners must complete and return the project evaluation form received with their check.
  
  
• What do judges look for?
  
  • Youth leadership in developing and implementing the project
  • The involvement of youth in preparing and submitting the grant application
  • The capacity of the individual or group to administer the grant
  • The impact of the project on those providing service and those being served
  • Complete applications, including all requested support materials

Meet the 2008 Winners

The creativity, zeal, and dedication of these young literacy leaders impressed our judges.

Send comments to readacross@nea.org