Innovative Reading Grant

Sponsored by Capstone

Monetary Amount: $2,500

The current award cycle has ended. The award applications will open on September 1, 2025.

2025 Recipient

Danielle Schwessinger
School Library Media Specialist
Elmer Wolfe Elementary School
Union Bridge, Maryland

"I am honored to receive a grant that will give students the opportunity to experience reading in various forms outside of traditional paper texts. As a school we are passionate about building an exciting reading culture for ALL with our motto- “We Are Readers"! "Books My Way", will bring audiobooks, Ebooks, and other reading technology to all grade levels to empower students to claim ownership of their reading identity."

Overview

The AASL Innovative Reading Grant supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for K-9th learners which motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers.

Eligibility

Applicant must be personal member of AASL.

Criteria

All applications for the grant will be judged against the following criteria:

1. This award is for a successful reading project that demonstrates the potential to improve reading in K-9th learners. The project or reading program should promote the importance of reading, facilitate the learners' literacy development, and be supported by current reading research, practice, and policy.
2. The potential to measure and evaluate the impact and reading improvement for its learners.
3. Reading program must be specifically designed for learners (grades K-9) in the school library setting.
4. Program must encourage innovative ways to motivate and involve learners in reading. Existing commercial programs will not be considered.
5. Project should demonstrate potential to impact student learning, especially reading.
6. Originality of project and methodology.
7. Potential for replication of the program should be apparent.
8. Demonstration of the ability of the applicant(s) to undertake and successfully complete the project.
9. A project plan that includes a timeline, budget, and clarity of purpose.
10. Research should be evidence-based and scholarly in nature.
11. Rankings based on a rubric that correlates with the ratings sheet.
12. The grant recipient may be invited to present a program at a future AASL National Conference after the study has been completed and the results known.
13. The grant recipient may be invited to write an article for Knowledge Quest that delineates their reading incentive project and demonstrate their successes, trials, and recommendations for improving so others can replicate the project.

Download Criteria & Rating Sheets

Download Copy of Application

* Please note: This downloadable version is for informational purposes only. All applications must be submitted online, via the Apply Now button that will appear at the top of the page when the next award season opens in early September.

Questions

Allison Cline
Deputy Executive Director

Past Recipients