A Historic $6 Million Grant Amid Uncertainty: Literacy Mid-South Remains Focused on Expanding Opportunities for Students
(Memphis, TN) – Literacy Mid-South has been awarded a historic $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, marking the organization’s largest federal grant to date. This funding will support the expansion of the Tutor901 program, a key initiative aimed at addressing the literacy needs of Shelby County students. Disbursed over five years, the grant will allow Literacy Mid-South to increase its reach and impact, benefiting approximately 1,500 elementary school students annually.
“We are incredibly proud to have received this significant investment, which is a testament to the hard work of our students, tutors, staff, and teachers,” said John Nichols, Interim CEO of Literacy Mid-South. “While there is some uncertainty regarding the current federal grant landscape, we remain hopeful that these funds will be disbursed as intended, allowing us to continue scaling Tutor901 and making an even greater impact on students. This funding will help us expand access to high-quality, personalized tutoring and deepen our collaboration with schools and community partners. As we celebrate 50 years of service, this marks a key milestone in our ongoing mission to meet the evolving literacy needs of Memphis students and families.”
The Tutor901 program is grounded in a research-backed, high-impact tutoring model designed to support high-needs students through key best practices. Tutors are trained to create supportive and welcoming environments that foster student confidence and engagement while offering intentional support to students and their families. This holistic approach helps build a strong foundation for academic success that extends beyond the classroom.
The effectiveness of the Tutor901 program will be rigorously evaluated by the University of Memphis's Center for Research in Education Policy to assess its impact on literacy outcomes and ensure continuous improvements. This evaluation will help guide future expansions of the program and further refine its approach to closing literacy gaps.
Tutor901 Components Include:
Small Group Focus: Tutors work with groups of 3 students, ensuring personalized attention and support.
Consistent Engagement: Students meet with tutors three times per week for 45-minute sessions.
In-Person Instruction: All tutoring takes place during the school day, reinforcing classroom learning.
Tailored Support: Tutoring content is aligned with the students' current classroom lessons and personalized to meet individual needs.
Ongoing Tutor Development: Tutors receive regular coaching, training, and feedback to maintain the highest quality instruction.
This partnership between Literacy Mid-South, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), and the University of Memphis’s Center for Research in Education Policy will help ensure that every child has the tools and resources needed to succeed academically and thrive in life.
As Literacy Mid-South celebrates 50 years of dedication to improving literacy in the community, this federal grant stands as a testament to the organization’s continued growth, innovation, and commitment to creating lasting educational change. The Tutor901 program is just one example of how Memphis-based solutions are being designed and implemented by Memphians, for Memphis students.
