Literacy Grants Program
Samples of previously funded projects

The following are some of the projects previously funded by City National Bank through its Reading is the Way Up^® program:

• An elementary school used the grant to support their Book-of-the-Month program which is currently in its fourth year. Every teacher and the library receive a copy of the same book. Books are chosen by committee. The committee tries to choose books that have engaging stories and art. The books need to be accessible on multiple levels, simple enough for kindergarteners to sit through and understand and complex enough to engage 5th graders and make them think. Lesson plans are brainstormed at staff meetings. The books chosen fall into several categories; books that promote tolerance and understanding, books that promote reading and writing, books that promote a sense of self-identity and books just for fun.
  
  Every class reads the book and engages in discussion. Some classes may do an art or writing project related to the book. Some classes may learn about the author or illustrator. There is a bulletin board display in the library and an article in the newsletter. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the book and the related activities.
  
  
• A middle school used the grant to purchase CD’s that correspond with classroom novel and literature circle texts for grades 6-8. Teachers have high standards and expectations for all students, including subgroups such as English Language Learners (ELL) and students with special needs. The use of CD’s in the English classroom is an instructional practice that has proven useful especially for academically challenged students. Participants are not only able to follow along in the text with their fellow classmates more easily but receive the benefit of hearing good reading modeled.
  
  
• Literacy through Science provides students an opportunity to learn hands on and explore other areas of interest while learning how to read. Science is a wonderful way to catch the attention of students who have difficulty focusing on school and learning to read. Literacy through Science gives teachers an opportunity to integrate other areas of the curriculum along with reading. While doing this they can incorporate multiple styles of learning while meeting the needs of each individual student. Active engagement in a hands-on, minds-on science learning environment enables students to make personal connections with the physical world and to solve problems. This connection is the key to students grasping onto the love of learning and using literature as a tool to help them explore the world around them.
  
  
• An elementary school used the funds to purchase a lap top for its publishing center. Publishing student writing encourages the reluctant writer, strengthen kids’ self-confidence, rewards interest, and promotes a positive attitude towards literature. Our school is creating a publishing center for students to publish their own stories. Students can work one-on-one with an adult in order to bring their pieces of writing to a final draft. The parent volunteer will be able to work through the process using the much needed laptop. The individual stories will be available for other students to read. Embedded in this publishing center is the idea that good pieces of literature give the writer strengthened self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Eligibility & Requirements

Click here to view information on project eligibility, requirements, key dates and review process.

APPLY ONLINE!

QUESTIONS?
Send an email to rwu@cnb.com.