RIDE Secures More Than $18 Million in Federal Grants to Advance Literacy Achievement and Strengthen High-Quality Teaching and Learning

Published on Friday, August 14, 2026

PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) announced that the agency has secured more than $18 million in competitive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education's Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program to advance two innovative literacy initiatives designed to strengthen high-quality teaching and learning, support educators, and accelerate student achievement statewide.

The awards include $10 million for Project REACH: Responsive Evidence-based AI Coaching for High-Impact Literacy Instruction and $8.4 million for Rhode Island Students Excel through AI (RISE-AI).

"Securing more than $18 million in competitive federal grants demonstrates that Rhode Island's commitment to high-quality teaching and learning is being recognized at the national level," said Governor Dan McKee. "These resources will help us continue closing achievement gaps, improving literacy outcomes, and expanding opportunities for students in every community. My administration remains committed to investing in innovative strategies that support educators, strengthen student achievement, and ensure Rhode Island remains a national leader in public education."

"The awarding of these considerable federal funds reflects Rhode Island's bold commitment to educational excellence and our focus on improving student outcomes," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "These investments will help us continue strengthening high-quality teaching and learning, expand evidence-based literacy supports, and ensure more students have the skills they need to succeed in school, career, and life."

Through Project REACH, RIDE will partner with HILL for Literacy and B&W Evaluation to strengthen literacy instruction for middle-grade students through innovative educator support systems. The initiative will provide reading interventionists and literacy educators with evidence-based professional learning, video-based coaching, and AI-enhanced instructional supports designed to improve the implementation of high-impact literacy practices.

"Project REACH is an important investment in the educators who make high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction possible for students every day," said Dr. Darci Burns, Executive Director of HILL for Literacy. "HILL for Literacy is proud to partner with RIDE and B&W Evaluation on this forward-looking initiative, which reflects Rhode Island's strong commitment to literacy, educator excellence, and innovation. By combining professional learning, video-based coaching, and thoughtfully designed AI-enabled supports, Project REACH will extend educator expertise and help middle-grade students become stronger readers."

Through Rhode Island Students Excel through AI (RISE-AI), RIDE will partner with Amira Learning and WestEd to expand and evaluate the use of AI-powered tutoring for struggling readers in grades 4 through 8. The initiative seeks to address literacy challenges among upper-elementary and middle school students by providing personalized, evidence-based reading support and generating rigorous research on the effectiveness of AI-enabled literacy interventions at scale. The project is expected to reach thousands of students and help educators better support learners who need additional reading intervention.

"Amira Learning is proud to partner with RIDE on this important initiative to bring AI-powered reading support to students across Rhode Island," said Mark Angel, CEO of Amira Learning. "RISE-AI reflects our shared belief that every student deserves personalized, evidence-based literacy instruction - and we're honored to help Rhode Island's educators reach struggling readers in grades 4 through 8 with tools grounded in the Science of Reading. We look forward to working alongside RIDE and WestEd to generate meaningful research and real results for students statewide."

"The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education applauds RIDE's commitment to academic excellence and its successful efforts to secure these competitive federal grants," said Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Patti DiCenso. "By continuing to invest in evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, Rhode Island is building on a strong foundation that will benefit students for years to come."

"The Rhode Island Board of Education congratulates RIDE on securing these highly competitive federal grants, which will help advance some of our state's most important education priorities," said Rhode Island Board of Education Chair Michael Grey. "These investments reflect confidence in Rhode Island's vision for strengthening literacy, supporting educators, and ensuring high-quality instruction reaches every classroom."

These investments build on Rhode Island's ongoing commitment to the Science of Reading, educator excellence, and innovative approaches that strengthen both teaching and learning. By supporting educators with new tools, professional learning opportunities, and evidence-based resources, the initiatives will help accelerate literacy achievement, expand opportunities for students, and further Rhode Island's goal of becoming a national leader in public education.

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