Lynn Public Schools has received a $1,833,000 grant as part of the state’s Literacy Launch initiative, an effort to improve literacy among children age 3 through grade 3.
LPS was one of 15 districts to receive more than $9 million combined in Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) 1 continuation grants, which enable districts to implement high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction through literacy materials, technical support, coaching and professional development.
Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 is a multiyear early literacy initiative to help districts transition to evidence-based early literacy programs. This funding represents a key investment in the future of early learners, helping equip students with the reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.
“We appreciate the support of the State as we enhance literacy programs for our youngest learners,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez. “This funding is especially welcome as we continue to increase the number of seats in our pre-school program.”
The second year of this multi-year strategy is funded through the state’s FY26 budget and the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant. Grant awardees will receive professional development; support to continue partnerships with community-based preschool providers to align evidence-based early curriculum, instruction, and assessment across the community; and funding for early literacy screening assessments, coaching support, and to cover staffing costs for roles such as literacy coaches or reading specialists through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in partnership with the Department of Early Education and Care.
“Literacy Launch is a historic investment in early literacy for our students. These continuation grants represent our commitment to make sure all of our students can read and read well,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “I want to thank the Legislature for their continued support of Literacy Launch and partnership in this important work.”
Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said, “The PRISM I program will continue to help districts improve literacy programming, ensuring that our youngest learners build a strong literacy foundation that will support their success throughout their education.”
The PRISM 1 continuation grants are the latest in a series of investments the Healey-Driscoll Administration and state legislature have made in literacy, including:
- The first Literacy Launch Institutes, providing free in-person early literacy training and professional development for nearly 600 educators from across the state in August.
- $9.3 million in Literacy Launch PRISM II grants to 30 school districts to help implement high-quality early literacy instructional materials.
- $3.3 million in PRISM III literacy grants to 25 districts to support the purchase of high-quality instructional materials for grades 4-12 and professional learning support.
- $25 million in early literacy tutoring for 272 elementary schools.
- $800,000 in grants to 17 school districts and 14 colleges to support teacher candidates in completing their teacher-preparation programs.
