Menendez, Booker, Norcross Announce $400K to Improve Literacy in Camden Schools

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), today announced a $409,344 U.S. Department of Education grant from the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program to the Camden City Board of Education to support programs to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade.

"Critical investments in education help our state's children reach their full potential," said Sen. Menendez. "The Innovative Approaches to Literacy program provides important support to improve reading and writing skills and this federal funding will enhance the ability of Camden schools to prepare their students for success."

"Promoting literacy among our children is the key to increasing student achievement and paving the way for future success," said Sen. Booker. "This investment in the education of Camden youth will help create new opportunities and build on the growth and revitalization this community is experiencing."

"This new funding award represents an exciting and inclusive opportunity to engage students at every age and every level of learning. This unique blueprint for teaching will enable Camden educators to work closely with students and their entire families---utilizing technology to bridge students to a world of knowledge, opportunity, and wellness for themselves and their families," said Rep. Norcross.

In March, Sens. Menendez and Booker signed onto an appropriations letter in support of the IAL program, which provides funding to high-need local educational agencies and schools to support innovative programs that promote early literacy for young children, motivate older children to read, and increase student achievement by using school libraries as partners to improve literacy, distributing free books to children and their families, and offering high-quality literacy activities.

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