The Opportunity Trust is partnering with Emerson to address literacy disparities in the St. Louis region through the Early Literacy Challenge.
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ST. LOUIS, MO – [October 11, 2024] – The Opportunity Trust, with a grant from St. Louis-headquartered Emerson, the global automation technology and software company, is thrilled to announce the selection of four school teams from across the St. Louis region to participate in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge. These four schools were selected through a competitive application process, including charter and traditional public schools, marking the next phase of this transformative initiative designed to help address literacy disparities and improve student outcomes in the region.
The schools selected for participation in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge are:
- Atlas Public School
- Ferguson-Florissant School District – Commons Lane Primary School
- Premier Charter School
- School District of University City – Barbara C. Jordan Elementary
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, launched with a generous $1 million donation from Emerson, is dedicated to accelerating literacy proficiency in St. Louis City and County by supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices rooted in the Science of Reading. This initiative is a direct response to the NAACP’s urgent call to action to confront the literacy crisis and is aligned with Senate Bill 681, which requires Missouri schools to adopt proven literacy strategies.
“We’re thrilled to see such strong participation in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge,” said Eric Scroggins, CEO of The Opportunity Trust. “This partnership with Emerson is a pivotal moment for our region to witness the power of collaboration between traditional and charter public schools in making a real impact on student success.
The selected school teams will now embark on a two-year journey, participating in a comprehensive program aimed at equipping schools with the tools and expertise needed to enhance K-3 literacy outcomes. Through strategic partnerships and access to literacy experts, these schools will develop and implement tailored literacy plans, bridging the gap between research and classroom best practices.
Each of the four teams will receive a $20,000 planning grant for the 2024-2025 school year, with the opportunity to receive up to $250,000 in additional funding for full implementation in the 2025-2026 school year.
“At Emerson, we believe the foundation for a thriving community begins with literacy,” said Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of Human Resources, Corporate Functions at Emerson. “We are proud to support schools in their mission to ensure every child has the skills they need to succeed, both academically and in life.”
This announcement marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to close the literacy gap in St. Louis, with the selected schools leading the charge in creating a brighter future for students across the region.
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About The Opportunity Trust:
The Opportunity Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity and excellence. Through strategic investments, policy advocacy, and innovative programs, The Opportunity Trust works to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life. To learn more, visit theopportunitytrust.org.
About Emerson:
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global technology and software company providing innovative solutions for the world’s essential industries. Through its leading automation portfolio, including its majority stake in AspenTech, Emerson helps hybrid, process and discrete manufacturers optimize operations, protect personnel, reduce emissions and achieve their sustainability goals. For more information, visit Emerson.com.
Opportunity Trust, Emerson, St. Louis, Early Literacy Challenge, education, literacy disparities, community impact, grant, schools, charter, traditional public schools.
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