The HIL Project was originally funded in 2017 by a three-year U.S. Department of Education grant award for $12.5, awarded to Western Michigan University (WMU), in collaboration with the Reading Now Network (RNN) and the MAISA General Education Leadership Network (GELN). In 2020, we were proud to be one of only four projects in the U.S. to receive two-year renewal funding (with perfect scores from blind reviewers)! This renewed funding allows us to continue our work with schools through 2022!
Thank you to the following departments at WMU for their ongoing in-kind and matching support: College of Education and Human Development; Department of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology; Graduate College; Office of the Vice President for Research
Key Funders
U.S. Department of Education—Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program: $ 12.5 million Grant Award to WMU for years 1-3 of the HIL Project; $3.21 million for years 4-5
Michigan Department of Education and Intermediate School Districts—Early Literacy Coach Funding
Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation—significant funding for classroom libraries
Major Supporters
Participating ISDs provide significant in-kind and matching funding to HIL Schools.
Thank you: Allegan Area ESA, Berrien Regional ESA, Calhoun ISD, Heritage Southwest ISD, Kalamazoo RESA, Kent ISD, Mecosta-Osceola ISD, Muskegon Area ISD, Ottawa Area ISD, St. Joseph County ISD, Van Buren ISD.
Charitable Supporters
Since 2018, we have successfully attracted over $650,000 in funding for school classroom libraries, literacy resources, and other supports from local businesses and foundations.
Thank you: Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, BESCO Water Treatment, Metal Flow Corporation, Perrigo Charitable Foundation, Red Line Designs, Scholastic Corporation, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Pokagon Fund, and the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries.
These donors recognize the good work happening and want to leverage their giving through partnerships poised for success. We acknowledge with appreciation their support and invite others to join them.
Thank you!
Featured Supporting Partner
Walkerville School, a HIL Project school in Oceana County, received a $5,000 grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries to support classroom libraries.
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