Foundation Announcements

The First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative for Texas

The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy was created in 1999 in response to the enormous success of A Celebration of Reading and the generous support of the many Texans who have helped promote literacy across the United States nation. Currently the Fund administers two all-Texas grant programs: The First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative for Texas, founded by former first lady Laura Bush when she was the first lady of Texas (and continues as Honorary Chair), and a separate discretionary grant program.

These grants, of up to $50,000 each, are given to help create family literacy programs by building on existing literacy programs that work with only one generation, such as children or adults, so that complete family literacy programs can be created. The grant program also funds innovative projects within existing family literacy programs, as well as replication of successful family literacy programs with new populations or in new locations. Past grantees include community-based organizations, libraries, charter schools, pediatric medical clinics, Head Start and Even Start programs, as well as other organizations. The grants are awarded to applicants who focus on reading instruction for parents or primary caregivers, reading or pre-reading instruction for their children, and parent/child reading time and activities. A successful grant application includes clearly stated objectives, along with a solid plan to measure whether or not those objectives have been achieved.

The 2010 Barbara Bush Fellows Announced

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is proud to announce the 2010-2011 Barbara Bush Fellows at The Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) at Texas A&M University.   

- Over $3 million awarded to 129 family literacy programs in thirteen years.

- Programs funded in 66 different cities across the state.

- Thousands of families actively participated in these family literacy programs.

- Families in these programs now read more often to their children and some who never read to their children are now doing so. Families report that they enjoyed the parent and child together time and the children seemed to crave the time spent with their parents reading books together.

- Families in these programs are using the library for the first time or are using the library more often.

- Parents in the programs are becoming more involved in day-to-day school activities of their children.

- Adults in the programs are showing gains in their own reading abilities. Many of the adults have requested help in learning English and are improving these skills. Others are working to prepare for or have passed the GED and report finding better job prospects.

- Program directors consistently report that adults who attend literacy classes regularly are learning and are extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn English.

- Teachers have commented that children who have attended a family literacy program are better prepared for school.

- Parents in the family literacy programs were committed to work hard for their children's future, thus gaining a sense of accomplishment and hope through their efforts.

- Many parents go on to obtain more stable employment and further education, sometimes working in their children's schools as classroom assistants.

- Families in the family literacy programs report that they are spending more time than before in reading activities - and that they and their children are enjoying it

For a complete listing of all of the programs that have been funded through the First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas and the Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy please click HERE.

For more information, please contact Harriet Smith at hsmith@tamu.edu or visit http://www-tcall.tamu.edu.