This bill, S.F. No. 2353, proposes the establishment of a grant program to support community literacy initiatives in Minnesota. It appropriates $1,000,000 per fiscal year from the general fund to the Department of Education.

Key provisions include:

• Grant recipients must use funds to support public awareness and family literacy initiatives.
• Eligible activities include:
  • Developing and distributing literacy and grade-level guides to schools, libraries, and community organizations.
  • Creating literacy toolkits for families.
  • Training educators and community groups on effectively using these resources.
• The Commissioner of Education must establish a competitive grant process that aligns with the Read Act (Minnesota Statutes 120B.118 to 120B.124) and prioritizes applications demonstrating expertise in literacy education.
• Up to $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 may be allocated for afterschool pilot programs supporting at-risk students, focusing on evidence-based literacy strategies.
• Funds may also be used for coaching and mentoring teachers trained under the Read Act to help improve literacy instruction, especially for underserved communities.
• This appropriation is one-time funding and will be available until June 30, 2027.