LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announced that the state has been awarded two competitive Education Innovation and Research (EIR) federal grants, totaling nearly $25 million over five years.
The funding will be used to strengthen literacy instruction statewide and improve outcomes for students, especially those in rural communities. Arkansas is the only state nationwide to receive multiple awards.
“Early literacy intervention makes all the difference, and through the LEARNS Act, literacy coaches, and high-impact tutoring, we’re building strong reading foundations from the start,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “These awards recognize the work our educators are doing and the progress Arkansas is making to put students first. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary McMahon for their leadership in putting education back in the hands of states and communities so we can help every child read, learn, and thrive.”
The ADE has two major projects planned for the funding. The first project, in partnership with Air Reading, will be to evaluate high-impact tutoring initiatives at rural schools. It will also include an evaluation conducted by Stanford University to "assess impact and scalability."
The second project will study a foundational reading program in partnership with the University of Florida Literacy Institute.
“These federal investments affirm the work Arkansas has undertaken to build strong literacy foundations for every student,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “Through the LEARNS Act and targeted statewide initiatives, we have focused on early literacy, high-quality instruction, and support for students who need it most. These grants allow us to expand and deepen that work, particularly in rural communities.”