A Groundbreaking Initiative to Close Literacy Gaps and Improve Educational Outcomes for Students in St. Louis
Image by Michał Parzuchowski
ST. LOUIS, MO – [September 23, 2024] – The Opportunity Trust, in partnership with St. Louis-headquartered Emerson, the global automation technology and software company, has launched the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, a strategic initiative aimed at helping close the literacy gap and increasing the number of students in the St. Louis area who are able to read proficiently by the third grade. This program, made possible by a $1 million charitable donation by Emerson, is a direct response to the urgent call to action by the St. Louis NAACP, which challenged the community to get involved in helping to address the literacy crisis in St. Louis City and County.
Literacy is a gateway to opportunity and economic success. Disparities in reading proficiency, especially between Black and white students, remain a critical societal issue, with research showing illiteracy contributes to increased rates of crime and poverty in communities across the country. Nationwide, the NAACP launched The Right to Read campaign, which has been instrumental in raising awareness about the literacy crisis and advocating for evidence-based reading instruction. In Missouri, this movement focused on aligning reading instruction to the “Science of Reading,” which led to the passage of Senate Bill 681, mandating the use of proven reading practices in Missouri schools.
“At Emerson, we recognize the foundation of a community’s future workforce and the stability of our community begins with early childhood education,” said Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of HR, Corporate Functions at Emerson. “The $1 million investment we are making in the Early Literacy Challenge initiative in the St. Louis region is part of our commitment to help organizations working to ensure every child has the skills they need to succeed.”
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge seeks to accelerate literacy outcomes by engaging three to four charter and traditional public school districts in St. Louis City and County to participate in an immersive learning experience, connecting them with the latest literacy research and best practices to implement proven Science of Reading approaches in the classroom.
Selected schools will participate in a two-year immersive program that will help their literacy/reading improvement teams bridge the gap between literacy research and practical implementation for grades K-3. Teams will consist of educators, school leaders, parents and community partners who will work with experts in the field of literacy to develop and pilot tailored literacy plans for the 2024-2025 school year. Each district team will receive a $20,000 planning grant for participation and will be eligible for up to $250,000 in additional funding to fully implement their literacy plans in the 2025-2026 school year.
“The Opportunity Trust is thrilled to partner with Emerson on this landmark initiative. The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge provides a critical opportunity to prove that with the right tools and collaboration, we can close the literacy gap and ensure all St. Louis students succeed,” said Eric Scroggins, CEO of The Opportunity Trust.
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge application period is open now and closes on September 26, 2024. Administrators in local traditional and charter public school districts interested in applying can find more information and submit their application online at emersonliteracychallenge.org.
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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.
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