HCU Receives $100K Grant to Enhance Early Literacy Programs at Area Title 1 Schools

Houston, Texas, August 13, 2024 - Houston Christian University (HCU) has been awarded a $100K grant from The Cullen Trust for Higher Education (CTHE) to enhance early literacy at two area Title I elementary schools in the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

The grant helps fund an Early Literacy Program developed and facilitated by faculty and students in HCU's College of Education and Behavioral Services (COEBS) in partnership with Lovett Elementary School and Neff Early Learning Center for the 2024-2025 school year.

"We are extremely grateful to the Cullen Trust for Higher Education for this important grant to advance the development of reading skills for children in the neighborhood of HCU. The additional efforts enabled by this generous grant will enhance the academic, social, and psychological development of elementary school students, as we focus upon enriching their reading skills with additional programs and experiences designed to support and supplement the work of their teachers," said HCU President Robert Sloan.

Through the program, HCU COEBS majors and non-education majors will provide one-on-one reading instructional support for early childhood through 4th grade students identified as performing below grade level and writing support for 4th grade students at designated schools. Participating HCU students will also assist with Book Buddy programs, Literacy Nights, Reading Clubs and after-school tutoring and reading sessions at partnering schools.

"I am thrilled for HCU and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences to receive this grant. Our goal is to assist our partner schools and their students to develop literacy skills and to create a foundation for the love of reading. The HCU students who are selected as tutors will have the reward of knowing they will impact the lives of these young students and their futures," said Dr. Lesli Fridge, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

The early literacy initiative, guided by faculty facilitators, will not only provide elementary school students with supplemental support to reach grade-level reading benchmarks and reinforcement of their reading and writing skills, but also allows HCU students to participate in experiential learning in a real-world setting.

Dr. Kristina Cerling, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, called the program a win-win for HCU, participating schools and the community.

"HCU students will gain additional experience working with students in the field, growing their own confidence and competence in literacy instruction. The K-12 students will benefit through additional encouragement in the practice of reading partnered with experiences to grow a love of reading. The local community will benefit from this supplemental, holistic approach that partners with area teachers," said Dr. Cerling.

The grant covers the cost of student orientation, training and background checks, the salaries of program coordinators, student tutors and instructional, motivational and after-school resources for each campus.

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About Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation's largest metropolitan centers, HCU's culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.