Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced that more than $3.6 million in funding has been awarded to 14 education entities, including colleges and universities, school districts, community-based organizations, intermediate units (IUs) and more, to support access to literacy services for 540 families with children across the Commonwealth.
“Family literacy is a powerful way to strengthen communities and expand opportunity. These grants will help families grow together, supporting everything from reading with young children to preparing for new careers,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. By investing in family literacy programs across the Commonwealth, we’re building connections between generations and opening doors to brighter futures for both children and adults.”
The Shapiro Administration is committed to providing lifelong educational experiences to learners of all ages and from all walks of life and, with this announcement, has dedicated more than $10.6 million in grant funding to family literacy programs since taking office. In his 2025-26 proposed budget, Governor Josh Shapiro is requesting a more than $6 million increase for Adult and Family Literacy programs.
Institutions receiving the Family Literacy Direct Service Grant include:
Allegheny County:
- Allegheny IU 3, $326,857
- Literacy Pittsburgh, $332,396
Bucks County:
- VITA Education Services, $272,800
Centre, Lycoming Counties:
- The Pennsylvania State University, $130,200
Crawford, Venango Counties:
- Titusville Regional Literacy Council, $93,000
Huntingdon County:
- Huntingdon County Child & Adult Development Corporation, $190,379
Lackawanna County:
- United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, $403,000
Lancaster County:
- Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13, $285,200
Luzerne County:
- Luzerne County Community College, $378,200
Mifflin County:
- Tuscarora IU 11, $130,200
Northampton County:
- Project of Easton Inc., $305,800
Philadelphia County:
- Beyond Literacy, $222,570
- New World Association, $130,200
York County:
- York City School District, $408,100
Family Literacy Direct Service grants help eligible institutions provide family literacy education programs for eligible parents/caregivers and their children; as well as administration, support services for learners, and outreach activities. Family literacy programs integrate adult education services for parents and caregivers in the family with parent education, interactive literacy activities, and age-appropriate early childhood education.
Eligible institutions included school districts; intermediate units; area career and technical education centers and vocational-technical schools; community colleges; literacy councils; local libraries; community-based organizations; and any other education entity recognized by the Secretary of Education for providing appropriate and effective adult or family literacy education programs.
Pennsylvania Act 143 of 1986 (Act 143), Adult and Family Literacy Education Act, provides funds to be awarded through PDE’s Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education, Division of Adult Education, to provide adult and family literacy education services throughout the Commonwealth. The intent is to provide coordination among and broaden the scope of educational activities to adults in the Commonwealth and their families, including those who speak other languages, and to provide programs to those individuals who have previously been unserved.