Posted: Monday, November 24, 2025
By: University Communications

The University of Evansville (UE) has been awarded the Forward Together Grant to support its School of Education Literacy in the Community project, a collaborative effort with the Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC).

The grant will fund a two-part program focused on strengthening literacy across the Evansville community.

The first component of the initiative will provide professional development for community members who work directly with students. Participants will receive training in the Science of Reading, effective read-aloud strategies, and coaching techniques for struggling readers. UE will host a full-day literacy training event in summer 2026 that will feature a keynote address from a local author and interactive breakout sessions led by UE faculty. The event is expected to equip up to 150 non-traditional educators, volunteers, and community partners with practical tools to improve student reading outcomes.

The second component will deliver literacy-focused family engagement nights at local elementary schools, particularly those within the EPN and schools that already partner with the UE School of Education. These events will include hands-on reading activities, take-home books, and a meal for attendees to create a welcoming environment for families. More than 1,500 students and caregivers may be served through these engagement nights, helping to strengthen at-home literacy practices and connect families with community resources.

Building on the recent momentum of EPN Pipeline 1 and Pipeline 2-which have expanded literacy resources and support across the Evansville Promise Neighborhood-the new initiative represents a natural next step in promoting reading success at home and in schools. It also deepens ongoing collaboration with EVSC, the Mayor's Office, and numerous community partners committed to advancing educational opportunities.

"We've seen remarkable progress across the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, and advancing literacy education together is a natural and exciting step," said Derek McKillop, Director of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. "This initiative builds on the momentum our partners have created and strengthens our shared commitment to creating pathways of opportunity for students and families."

"Through its partnerships with the EPN, EVSC, and additional community organizations, the Literacy in the Community project will promote a citywide culture of reading and collaboration," said Jared Turney, Assistant Professor of Education. "This initiative reflects the University of Evansville's ongoing commitment to empowering students, supporting families, and advancing equitable educational opportunities for children throughout Evansville."