One of the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s core programs is our At-Risk grant, which supports children up to age 12 in Vermont and New Hampshire who are at higher risk of growing up with low literacy skills.
Among the many risk factors that can impact literacy skills are growing up in a low-income household or community; growing up with a lack of literacy resources in the home; having limited proficiency in spoken and/or written English; and having a medical diagnosis linked to difficulties with reading or writing.
CLiF partners with organizations such as after-school programs, early childhood education programs, parent-child centers, shelters, community centers and English Language Learner classrooms to provide kids with inspiring literacy activities and new, high-quality books, helping to nurture an appreciation for reading and writing.
At every At-Risk program event, a professional CLiF presenter gives an engaging storytelling performance, followed by a book giveaway where each child in attendance picks out two new books to keep.
CLiF also provides each partnering location with an onsite library, giving kids additional access to high-quality books, as well as an optional parent seminar to support caregivers who may not have strong literacy skills or may not be fluent English speakers.
The At-Risk program is available to social service providers, school-based programs and community groups located in Vermont or New Hampshire that serve children between the ages of zero and 12 years. At least 35% of the children served by the organization must qualify for free or reduced lunch, reduced program tuition or a scholarship. Program coordinators must be able to gather at least 30 children for a storytelling event. (Some events may be virtual or outdoors.)
CLiF is currently accepting applications for our Fall 2022 At-Risk program through Aug. 29. Please click here to apply. To support the At-Risk program, please click here.
