Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $9.3 Million in Second Round of Literacy Launch Grants

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $9.3 Million in Second Round of Literacy Launch Grants 

29 school districts receive PRISM II grants to support evidence-based early literacy curriculum 

 
EASTHAMPTON– The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is awarding $9.3 million in Partnership for Reading Success - Massachusetts (PRISM) II grants to 29 school districts and an educational collaborative. These grants are funded through Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative to makes sure Massachusetts preschool programs, schools, educators and students have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction.  

The PRISM II grants are designed to help districts strengthen early literacy instruction, helping equip students with the reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler made this announcement today at the Easthampton Public Library, in one of the districts receiving a grant.  

“Massachusetts has the best schools in the nation, but we know more work is needed to improve literacy. A strong early literacy education is essential for students’ long-term success in school, career and beyond,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Literacy Launch, we are investing in the educators, materials and systems our youngest learners need to learn how to read and read well.” 

“Strong reading instruction helps unlock each child’s potential,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “PRISM II is designed to help all students — no matter where they live — benefit from high-quality materials and support grounded in research.” 

In this first year, grantees will either begin implementing newly selected English language arts materials or engage in a structured curriculum evaluation and selection process. All grantees will benefit from: 

• support in establishing a representative team of educators and community members to select and implement curriculum that suits local needs; 

• targeted professional learning aligned with DESE’s IMplement MA process for evaluating, selecting and implementing instructional materials; and  

• expert coaching by DESE-selected PRISM curriculum and instruction coaches. 

Grant funds may also be used to compensate educators for their time through stipends or substitute coverage.  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to leverage every opportunity to improve early literacy education and help kids learn to read and read well. These PRISM II grants are another critical tool in this work, building on our Literacy Launch professional development institutes, high dosage tutoring expansion and PRISM I grants,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.  

“We know that districts are eager for this kind of support, and I’m glad to see another 29 receiving PRISM grants,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “This work is critical to students’ futures, and DESE is working hard to reach as many districts and educators as possible with grants, professional development and other resources.”  

“These PRISM II grants build on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to closing literacy gaps and expanding opportunities for Massachusetts children, beginning in preschool,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “By empowering educators and communities with the tools and resources they need, we’re helping every child build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.” 

Early literacy is a priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration. The administration awarded the first round of Literacy Launch Grants, Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) I, earlier this year to 15 school districts and is currently hosting Literacy Launch Institutes, free four full days of evidence-based early literacy instructional practices training for 600 educators. Governor Healey also expanded high dosage early literacy tutoring to help students in kindergarten through third grade build foundational reading skills. This school year, 272 schools in Massachusetts will receive free, high-dosage early literacy tutoring. 

“The PRISM II grant will provide Easthampton educators with hands-on support and coaching, high-quality instructional materials, and expert guidance to deliver meaningful, real-world literacy learning for every student.  It’s more than new books or new curriculum—it’s about ensuring every child sees themselves in what they read and makes connections to the real world,” said Easthampton Superintendent Michelle Balch. “We’re committed to using teaching practices and materials that are evidence-based, culturally responsive, and respectful of each student’s unique background and potential. With this funding, Easthampton can provide a curriculum that inspires, empowers, and truly changes the trajectory for our students. This grant isn’t just about teaching reading—it’s about creating opportunities and opening doors to the future.” 

The PRISM II grant recipients are: 

• Abington Public School District: $293,600  

• Berkshire Hills Public School District: $164,000 

• Bi-County Collaborative: $294,000 

• Billerica Public School District: $493,679 

• Boxford Public School District: $323,991 

• Burlington Public School District: $456,617 

• Community Day Public Charter School (in Lawrence):

  $279,600 

• Concord Public School District: $366,950 

• Easthampton Public School District: $274,023 

• Greenfield Public School District: $95,100 

• Holliston Public School District: $224,200 

• Hudson Public School District: $334,119 

• Kingston Public School District: $193,900 

• Lincoln Public School District: $239,500 

• Lowell Public School District: $798,000 

• Mansfield Public School District: $464,006 

• Martha's Vineyard Public School District: $259,000 

• Medway Public School District: $169,834 

• Methuen Public School District: $562,630 

• Milford Public School District: $350,179 

• Monomoy Regional School District: $95,100 

• Nantucket Public School District: $122,900 

• New Salem-Wendell Public School District: $220,160 

• Pittsfield Public School District: $776,500 

• Plympton Public School District: $133,700 

• Sharon Public School District: $293,518 

• Silver Lake Public School District: $95,100 

• Somerset Public School District: $298,200 

• Uxbridge Public School District: $270,420 

• Wayland Public School District: $367,100