Massachusetts · Matching Grant · 2025–26 Cycle
Massachusetts Secondary Reading
Proficiency Grant
A 1:1 matching grant for Massachusetts school districts with a significant cohort of secondary students in the "approaching proficiency" band. Purchase access for one school — we fund a second at no cost.
Cycle closes
Match Ratio
1:1
Per School
$3,000
Eligible Schools
412
Application Deadline
June 30
The Problem
The Massachusetts Adolescent Literacy Gap
Literacy is often seen as a K–3 challenge. For too many students, however, the gap persists well into secondary school — and by the time they reach high school, the window for intervention narrows dramatically.
In Massachusetts, approximately 57% of 8th graders are not reading at grade level according to NAEP 2022 data. These students are not failing — they are approaching proficiency, and with the right intervention, they can close the gap before graduation.
The Massachusetts Literacy Act requires districts to address these gaps with evidence-based interventions. This grant makes that possible without requiring districts to absorb the full cost.
% of 8th Graders Not at Grade Level — NAEP 2022
Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2022 Reading Assessment, Grade 8, Massachusetts. Data retrieved from the NAEP Data Explorer at nationsreportcard.gov.
The Grant
Closing the Gap Before It Follows Them to Graduation
Secondary students in the "approaching proficiency" band are among the most underserved in the literacy ecosystem. They are close — but without targeted support, that gap compounds.
The Literal matching grant is designed specifically for these students. For every school a district funds, Literal matches with a second school at no cost.
Peer Ratio
5 Days
Typical Turnaround
Schools Matched
2 Schools
Per Application
Grant Provider
LiteralLiteral is an evidence-based reading platform built for secondary students. Founded in Colorado, Literal serves districts across the country with adaptive, standards-aligned reading intervention.
Learn more about LiteralRequirements
Is Your District Eligible?
The grant is designed to serve districts where the need is greatest. Districts must meet all six criteria to apply.
Colorado Public District
Any Colorado public school district or charter management organization operating schools in Colorado.
Approaching Proficiency Cohort
At least 15% of students in grades 7–12 score in the approaching proficiency band on CMAS or iReady.
Minimum Secondary Enrollment
The district must serve a minimum of 200 students in grades 7–12 across all eligible schools.
Completed Application
A fully completed application submitted by the June 30, 2026 deadline, including all required data.
Non-Agreement Only
Districts must not have an existing Literal license agreement for the schools included in the application.
Implementation Commitment
Districts agree to designate an implementation coordinator and complete onboarding within 30 days of award.
Award Estimator
See if your district qualifies
Search for your Colorado district or school to see your estimated grant award. Every district with at least one middle or high school qualifies.
Step 1 — Find your district
Search for your school district
Type to filter all Colorado districts. Every district with at least one middle or high school qualifies.
Schedule
Grant Cycles & Application Windows
Applications are accepted during defined grant cycles. Each cycle has a fixed application window and award date.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applicants receive priority implementation support.
Cycle 2 opens August 1, 2026. Districts that applied in Cycle 1 may reapply.
Cycle 3 dates will be announced by October 2026.
Process
How the Grant Works
Submit Your Application
Complete the online form below. You'll need district enrollment data, current reading proficiency scores, and your implementation coordinator's contact information.
Eligibility Review
Literal's grants team reviews your application within 5 business days and confirms eligibility based on enrollment, grade levels, and proficiency data.
Grant Awarded
Approved districts receive a formal award letter and onboarding instructions. Implementation can begin immediately upon award.
Implementation & Onboarding
Your implementation coordinator works directly with the Literal team. Full onboarding typically takes 5 days.
Mid-Year Check-In
At the 90-day mark, Literal's team conducts a brief check-in to support ongoing implementation and track early outcomes.
Apply
Apply for the Matching Grant
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The typical review period is 5 business days. You will receive a confirmation email immediately upon submission.