ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award Grant

ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: International Literacy Association
Last Updated: November 16, 2025

Summary

The ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award, presented by the International Literacy Association, recognizes exceptional reading and language arts programs across all grade levels in Canada and the United States. This award aims to highlight outstanding educational efforts that promote literacy improvement and excellence among school staff. Eligible programs must submit comprehensive applications showcasing their entire reading initiatives, serving as models for others. Winning schools gain recognition while contributing to the advancement of literacy education.

Overview

About Us The International Literacy Association (ILA), formerly the International Reading Association, is a global advocacy and membership organization of more than 300,000 literacy educators, researchers, and experts across 128 countries. For more than 65 years, ILA has set the standard for how literacy is defined, taught, and evaluated. Our mission ILA connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe in ways that are respectful, responsive, and ethical. We advocate for equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice. Our work We publish cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research; create and disseminate practical, evidence-based resources for educators; set standards for literacy professionals; recognize outstanding teacher preparation programs; support teachers, researchers, and literacy leaders with awards and grants; and provide impactful professional development and learning experiences through our digital events. Our vision We believe that every child, everywhere must be given equitable access to the education, opportunities, and resources needed to learn how to read, write, and communicate—not only to realize their full potential, but also to allow them to become citizens capable of participating in and contributing to their communities at every level. Exemplary Reading Program Award The Exemplary Reading Program Award recognizes outstanding reading and language arts programs at all grade levels (elementary, middle, and high school). Its purpose is to call the public's attention to outstanding programs in schools throughout Canada and the United States. Each participating state and provincial council, with an active ERPA committee chair, may choose one winning school a year. Each state/provincial chapter participating in the program will have an Exemplary Reading Program Award Committee. Not all states/provincial chapters elect to participate in the program. Objectives The program has five objectives: to improve literacy in our society,to recognize school staffs who demonstrate excellence in reading and literacy programs,to encourage the development and refinement of exemplary reading/language arts programs,to report to the public noteworthy efforts to improve reading/ language arts, andto disseminate specific information about high-quality programs so that other professionals can use it to improve their own instructional efforts.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. All public, private, and parochial elementary and secondary schools are eligible for the award if the school staff has at least one ILA member.The school must apply with its entire reading program, not just one segment (i.e., Title I, resource room, library/ media, teacher, one grade, etc.). The winning program should serve as a model for other schools and teacherYou will be required to submit a description of your program that coversthe 10 expectations listed here. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

A school receiving the award cannot apply again within a period of five years. A school is not eligible to apply if a current state or provincial council officer is employed in the school.