Benton County Schools are utilizing federal grant money to bring literacy and STEM to the community. The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) grant program supports high-quality programs designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students. The IAL grant funding, locally called “Building Opportunities for Literacy and Life Development” or BOLLD, began in January 2020 and will conclude in September 2023.
BOLLD has funded extensive professional development, supplemental curriculum materials, and free books for all students. It also has been used for a STEM camp for high school students, materials and supplies for a K-8 summer camp, community involvement book distributions, and a book vending machine at Camden Elementary School. It provided funding to the Benton County Library and additional books at libraries in each Benton County school. Approximately 11,000 books were given to Benton County students during the third year of the grant.
The BOLLD grant was also used to create a mobile literacy lab called “Words on Wheels,” better known as the WOW van.
“Karen Hudson suggested using the WOW van as motivation to invite families to attend school PTO programs,” shared Betty Jordan, BOLLD grant director. “Participating schools draw a name from the attendees at each PTO meeting. The winner receives a home visit from the WOW van, bringing fun activities for the student and some of their invited friends.”
The home visit is staffed by Jordan and several volunteers and consists of exciting STEM strategies. The WOW van has also be a participant in community outreach programs.
“I can set up at various locations and create a fun game environment to assist families with literacy strategies they can do at home,” explained Jordan. “We have tables, chairs, instructional supplies, and a pop-up tent. We are meeting families outside of the school day, in locations convenient for them to access, doing everything possible to support learning.” Benton County Schools operates six schools and the Benton County Career and Technical Center. For more information about the BOLLD grant or ways to interact with the WOW van, contact Jordan at 731-213-8006 or [email protected].
