Bill > A06897

This bill establishes a comprehensive family literacy grant program designed to help break the cycle of poverty and improve educational opportunities for low-income families in New York. The program will provide competitive matching grants to eligible providers (such as school districts or cooperative educational services in partnership with public or private non-profit agencies) to support family literacy programs for families living in poverty areas or served by low-performing schools. These programs must integrate multiple components, including interactive literacy activities between parents and children, parent education about supporting their children's learning, parent literacy preparation aimed at economic self-sufficiency, and age-appropriate education to prepare children for future success. To qualify, families must have an income at or below the poverty level, with eligible parents needing basic education and children aged birth to twelve. Grant applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar match and submit detailed proposals to the commissioner of education, who will award grants competitively and establish specific eligibility criteria. The bill also requires the commissioner to submit an annual report to state leadership evaluating the family literacy programs, with the first report due by March 15, 2029, and subsequent reports due annually thereafter, ultimately aiming to help parents and children develop the skills needed to improve their lives and break out of poverty.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6897