Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $5.5 Million in Literacy Launch Grants Now Open for Schools to Apply

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $5.5 Million in Literacy Launch Grants Now Open for Schools to Apply 

Schools can apply for funding to implement high-quality literacy instructional materials 

 
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is opening applications for school districts to apply for $5.5 million in total grant funding to help implement high-quality instructional materials for students in PreK through third grade in English language arts and literacy. The grant, Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II, is funded through Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative. 

Districts, collaboratives and charter schools can apply for the funding to evaluate, select, purchase, and implement evidence-based literacy curricula in partnership with local community-based preschools. The grant will also provide educators with hands-on support and expert guidance to create relevant, real-world learning experiences for every student. 

“This next round of Literacy Launch grants is a transformative opportunity for Massachusetts schools to enhance their literacy curriculum and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the best educational materials,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Literacy Launch empowers educators with the resources and support they need to cultivate a love of literacy in all students.”  

“Literacy Launch provides the necessary funding and expert guidance to help our educators address the diverse needs of our students, ultimately fostering lifelong learners. With the PRISM II grant, we are advancing our commitment to equitable literacy education in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

Today’s announcement builds on the $326,477 in Partnership for Reading Success in Massachusetts (PRISM) grants the administration awarded to 15 school districts across the state in January. The administration and Legislature funded the first year of Literacy Launch at $20 million in Fiscal Year 2025. Governor Healey proposes $25 million for Fiscal Year 2026 to reach more districts, classrooms and students in the state, ensuring students receive the highest quality, evidence-based reading instruction available.   

“The PRISM II grant will provide our schools with essential resources to evaluate and adopt high-quality instructional materials that align with evidence-based practices and incorporate culturally and linguistically sustaining practices,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This initiative will not only support our teachers with comprehensive coaching, but also foster collaboration to create a cohesive literacy approach across preschool through grade 3 classrooms.” 

“These grants will help ensure more children have access to literacy programming that begins in the early education classrooms and continues into kindergarten and beyond,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The Administration’s commitment to enhancing early literacy education through well-supported, local partnerships will help continue closing the learning gap for young learners in more communities by fostering a love for reading and supporting the development of language and literacy skills they need for long-term success in school and life.” 

The PRISM II request for proposals is available on DESE’s website: https://www.doe.mass.edu/grants/2026/0593/. A separate competitive grant is also available to support districts, collaboratives and charter schools to evaluate, select, purchase, launch and implement high-quality instructional materials for Grades 4–12: https://www.doe.mass.edu/grants/2026/0594/.