Oregon awards $55 million in federal grants to boost student literacy

Thirty school districts in Oregon have been named recipients of the 2025-29 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) federal grant, following a competitive selection process. The grant provides approximately $11 million each year to support literacy improvements for historically marginalized students across the state, from birth through 12th grade.

The CLSD grant aims to help districts implement evidence-based literacy practices, strengthen educator skills through curriculum-focused professional learning, and encourage family and caregiver involvement in children's literacy development. These efforts are coordinated with Oregon’s Early Literacy Success Initiative to build a statewide foundation for student literacy.

The CLSD is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education focused on enhancing literacy outcomes using proven methods. It prioritizes support for children living in poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.

"Oregon’s 2025-29 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) federal grant...will support districts in improving literacy outcomes for many of Oregon’s historically marginalized students, from birth through 12th grade," according to the announcement.

Districts were eligible to apply based on criteria set by federal requirements after the Oregon Department of Education was awarded $55 million over four years through this program. Additional details about the CLSD grant are available on the ODE website.