Select Morris, Somerset, and Warren County schools receive literacy grants to boost reading education
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has awarded nearly $13.6 million in federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grants to improve literacy education across the state, with several districts in Morris, Somerset, and Warren counties among the recipients.
The CLSD program, funded through a five-year, $50 million federal grant, is designed to strengthen literacy outcomes from birth through high school by supporting teacher training, classroom resources, and family engagement initiatives.
Governor Phil Murphy said the funding builds on the state’s efforts to give students the foundational skills they need to succeed.
“My administration has made it a priority to equip our children with the skills and support necessary to set them up for lifelong success,” Murphy said. “Literacy is the tool that unlocks the opportunities education creates for our students. These grant awards will help sustain our efforts to infuse best practices into classrooms across our state.”
Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the initiative’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach to teaching and support.
“Literacy is a foundational skill needed for learning in all subjects, and these grants build upon our commitment to improving literacy for students across New Jersey,” Dehmer said. “It builds a network of teacher coaches, equips schools with training and high-quality materials, and supports readers from birth through high school.”
Local Recipients
Districts in northwestern New Jersey receiving funding include:
- Morris County: Dover Public School District — $150,000 (COACH Grant); Netcong School District — $20,000 (LIFT Grant) and $20,000 (RISE Grant)
- Somerset County: Manville School District — $150,000 (COACH Grant) and $40,000 (LIFT Grant)
- Warren County: Mansfield Township Elementary School District — $19,946 (LIFT Grant)
No districts in Hunterdon or Sussex counties were selected in this round, though both remain eligible for future funding as the program expands.
About the CLSD Program
The $13.6 million distributed this year marks the first phase of a broader, five-year initiative. The program consists of four key grant categories:
- COACH-L Grants – Nearly $6 million to hire and train literacy coaches in 41 districts.
- RISE Grants – More than $1 million to support middle and high school reading interventions.
- IMPACT Grants – Nearly $5 million for instructional materials and professional development.
- LIFT Grants – About $1.6 million to promote early literacy and family engagement.
Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz praised the initiative’s comprehensive focus on teaching and family partnerships.
“Literacy is the foundation for success in every lesson our children are taught, and building that foundation requires the commitment of everyone – parents, educators, and students alike,” Ruiz said. “These new grant programs take a holistic approach to strengthening literacy — training educators, equipping schools, and fostering meaningful family connections.”
Pending continued federal funding, the NJDOE plans to maintain support for awarded districts and expand opportunities for new participants over the next four years.
A full list of 2025–26 CLSD grant recipients is available on the New Jersey Department of Education website.
