The American Association of School Libraries (AASL) Innovative Reading Grant supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program - for learners in kindergarten through ninth grade - that motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers.
The $2,500 award is for a successful reading project that demonstrates the potential to improve reading. The project or reading program should promote the importance of reading, facilitate the learners' literacy development and be supported by current reading research, practice and policy.
A project plan should include a timeline, budget and clarity of purpose. The grant recipient may be invited to present a program at a future AASL National Conference after the study has been completed and the results known. The grant recipient may also be invited to write an article for Knowledge Quest that delineates their reading incentive project and demonstrate their successes, trials and recommendations for improving so others can replicate the project.
The applicant must be a personal member of AASL. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2026. Click here to login and to apply.