Youth Leaders for Literacy

Grants Awarded 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.

The power in participating

Something very powerful happens when you're involved in literacy service. You receive the intrinsic rewards of being involved in your community, but you also learn more about yourself and the importance that reading plays in your own life. Being able to read makes everything else possible, including the ability to make meaningful, lifelong contributions to your community.

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 October 30, 2008.
  
  Applications are available here (  69KB, 4pp).
  
  
• How many grants are awarded?
  Each year the National Education Association 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

Who received grants in 2008?

Read detailed information about the 2008 winners whose zeal and dedication so impressed our judges last year.

Send comments to readacross@nea.org