Rural Alabama Students Gain New Literacy Support Funding
A federal grant will bring specialized reading programs to 75 elementary schools for K-2 students.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The University of Alabama has received a $9.9 million federal grant to expand reading support for young learners. The initiative, dubbed Project LIFT, will bring evidence-based literacy instruction to students in 75 rural elementary schools across Alabama.
Why it matters
This grant aims to improve literacy outcomes by providing intensive, phonics-based intervention for students in kindergarten through second grade. It builds on the university's prior research to help students who struggle with traditional reading support models.
The $9.9 million federal grant supports a five-year initiative focused on kindergarten through second-grade students. The program utilizes the Friends on the Block curriculum, consisting of 25-minute lessons conducted three times per week.
The players
The University of Alabama
A large public research institution that leads teacher training and education research initiatives.
United States Department of Education
The federal agency that establishes policy and provides funding for literacy and education initiatives.
The details
Project LIFT focuses on training teachers in rural settings to implement a structured literacy curriculum. The instruction relies on phonics-based methods, repetition, and educational games to support struggling readers. In the first year, the university team will collaborate with educators to refine implementation strategies before scaling the program across the 75 participating sites.
Timeline
Over the next five years, Project LIFT will train teachers in 75 rural schools.
In the first year, the project team will consult teachers on program implementation.
Education Landscape
This initiative follows years of research into specialized reading programs for children with diverse learning needs. It represents a shift from controlled testing environments toward broad, state-wide implementation in rural districts.
Families with students in rural elementary schools should monitor communication from their local district regarding the rollout of new literacy programs. If your student struggles with reading, ask the teacher if they have access to the Friends on the Block resources provided through the university.
The takeaway
Targeted literacy support can significantly improve reading outcomes for early elementary students. Families can ask their school administration if they are among the 75 schools selected to receive teacher training and resources through Project LIFT.
Further reading
For more information on education funding and support, visit Financial Aid.
Live Poll
Should your local schools prioritize intensive reading support for students who struggle with traditional instruction?
