SACRAMENTO, Calif --- Following a victory by Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) from the
2018 Budget, the California State Library has just awarded $1 million in grant funding to non-profits and
organizations across the state in an effort to improve literacy for low-income youth. The California Student
Author Program supports local programs for low-income students to participate in out-of-school, structured
writing instruction. Students learn to write, edit, and publish their own work, and build marketing and media
skills. The programs are designed to help young people improve English language abilities, boost academic
performance, build healthy relationships with the community, and make positive life choices. Gipson first took
interest in the issue after learning about a local literacy program in his district, called PHAAB 5.
“I am incredibly proud of the work being done by PHABB 5 and others to help close the gap when it comes to
academic achievement and am excited to see these resources used to invest in some of our most promising
youth,” stated Gipson. “These programs will not only focus on their literacy and writing skills, but will also
prepare them to be future leaders and entrepreneurs. Through this grant effort, we can give youth the
confidence and the skills they need to strive for their most ambitious goals and reach their full potential.”
Congratulations to the following awardees:
· PHABB 5: $66,086
· The Regents of the University of California (Bay Area Writing Project): $135,414
· 826 National: $150,000
· Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove: $96,000
· Tulare County Office of Education, Educational Resource Services: $69,500
· Get Lit - Words Ignite Inc.: $150,000
· 916 Ink: $132,000
· Creative Spirit Families: $60,000
· Santa Ana Unified School District: $40,000
· Santa Barbara Unified School District: $36,000
· La Sierra High: $50,000
· Southern Trinity Joint Unified: $15,000
“Writing makes a person stronger. Not only does writing build stronger communications skills – essential for
success in the economy that powers our world – but it can also heal. It can sharpen aspirations into achievable
goals and share feelings that are hard to say out loud,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “All of these
grant recipients are helping California kids experience all those things – and more. Thank you to Assemblyman
Gipson for spearheading this program. The State Library is honored to be part of it.”
If you would like more information about the Students Authors Program, please reach out to Emmanuel
Aguayo at emmanuel.aguayo@asm.ca.gov, or contact Beverly Schwartzberg at beverly.schwartzberg@library.ca.gov.
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