The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge is launching a second cohort. This landmark literacy initiative, backed by a $1 million investment from St. Louis-headquartered Emerson, the global automation technology and software company, aims at closing literacy gaps and ensuring children facing the greatest challenges in St. Louis receive the resources and support needed to achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade.
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge seeks to engage 4 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) from St. Louis City and County in a two-year, immersive learning experience. Participating LEAs will have access to $5,000 in planning grants and up to $200,000 in implementation funding, with accompanying expert support. This initiative will connect LEA teams with the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction, aiming to bridge the gap between Science of Reading research and practical implementation by providing participants with the tools needed to implement proven literacy strategies that drive student success. Applications are open through September 5, 2025.
If you would like to learn more information before applying, please join one of our virtual info sessions:
Thursday, August 14 at 11:00 AM CT | Join Now
Friday, August 22 at 11:15 AM CT | Join Now
VIEW THE 2025-2027 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Apply for the 2025-2027 Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
HEAR ABOUT THE EMERSON EARLY LITERACY CHALLENGE ON KMOX
READ ABOUT THE EMERSON EARLY LITERACY CHALLENGE IN THE ST. LOUIS ARGUS
Guiding Principles
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge was started on the premise that:
- Literacy is a human and civil right: All children are capable of reading proficiently by 3rd grade and doing so is foundational to success in school and in life.
- Proficiency is possible with the right conditions and approaches: Applying Science of Reading research in classrooms creates the conditions for all students to thrive.
- Collaboration is essential to accelerate improvement: The best solutions for St. Louis schools will be developed by education leaders who share their expertise, learn from promising practices, and engage parents and community as partners
- Proof points will catalyze a greater collective sense of possibility: Having local success stories is essential to sustaining the changes required at the school, system, and state level to ensure all children in our public schools can read proficiently by 3rd grade.
Application Criteria
- Representative LEA Team:We seek diverse, motivated, mission-driven teams composed of change-agents who demonstrate the ability to execute and deliver impact for students and communities. Successful LEAs will have teams that represent the perspectives of teachers, building leaders, central office decision-makers, and instructional coaches.
- Knowledge & Implementation of Best Practices: Successful LEAs will have already begun their literacy journeys, and are utilizing green-rated curriculum (according to EdReports), phonics, etc.
- Readiness for Change: Successful applicants will display a growth mindset, a willingness to innovate, openness to feedback, and willingness to make mid-course corrections as the pilot and implementation unfolds.
- Data Driven Culture: Successful LEAs will have a track record of monitoring results to track student achievement and practicing data-driven decision-making.
Cohort 1 Participants
Atlas Public Schools, Barbara C. Jordan Elementary – School District of University City, Premier Charter School, and Commons Lane Primary School – Ferguson-Florissant School District were the schools selected in 2024 to participate in Cohort 1 of the inaugural $1 Million Emerson Early Literacy Challenge!
These schools participated in one-on-one coaching and attended expert-led learning events to develop literacy plans aimed at improving third-grade reading proficiency. Stay tuned for updates as these schools begin year 2 of their journey making strides toward literacy equity for students.
Atlas Public School: Building a Culture of Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Atlas Public School: Building a Culture of Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Barbara C. Jordan Elementary: A Bold Commitment to Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Barbara C. Jordan Elementary: A Bold Commitment to Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Premier Charter School: A Commitment to Literacy Excellence in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Premier Charter School: A Commitment to Literacy Excellence in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Boosting Literacy: St. Louis Schools Take a Page from D.C.
University City Schools Achieve Unmatched Gains in St. Louis
A Successful Start: Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Kicks Off
