Ohio awards millions in federal grants to strengthen early literacy

3/3/2026

National literacy funding supports early care and education programs

Ohio has awarded $7.6 million in Comprehensive Literacy State Development grants to 16 early care and education programs across the state. The funding comes from a $60 million grant given to Ohio by the U.S. Department of Education. Ohio is one of the 23 recipients selected by the U.S. Department of Education and is receiving the second-largest amount of funding among states.

These grants will expand access to evidence-based language and literacy instruction for children from birth through kindergarten entry and professional learning for educators, with a focus on enhancing literacy instruction for underserved children across the state.

The grants will establish comprehensive literacy sites that provide language and literacy supports, professional learning, and play-based instruction aligned to high-quality materials. Programs will also participate in training to promote family engagement in literacy and partner with community organizations, such as libraries and higher education institutions to support student achievement.

View the full list of grant recipients.