Audacious freedom reimagined

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded $415,000 to the African American Museum In Philadelphia on July 13, 2026, under the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program (CFDA 84.215), a Project Grant.

The award supports the project "Audacious Freedom Reimagined" with a period of performance through July 13, 2029. Place of performance is Philadelphia, PA 19106.

The Innovative Approaches to Literacy program funds high-quality projects that develop literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade in high-need communities. Eligible recipients include local educational agencies with at least 20 percent low-income students, the Bureau of Indian Education, and eligible national non-profit organizations. The program supports work to develop or enhance school library programs, provide professional learning for school librarians, distribute books and reading materials to increase student reading motivation and performance, and conduct early literacy outreach to parents of young children to encourage reading aloud and access to developmentally appropriate materials. Awards are competitively selected and typically run up to five years, with continuation awards made subject to progress toward stated goals, submission of required reports, and availability of appropriations.