Foothills literacy program receives $40,000 grant to continue reading support

The Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation announced September 3 that it received a $40,000 grant from the Calgary Foundation's Catalyst fund, securing the future of the Literacy Playground program while opening the door to expansion.

The Literacy Playground provides free reading support for Foothills School Division students entering Grade 3. According to the foundation, students who participated in the three-week summer program showed measurable improvement — crucial since students not reading at grade level by Grade 3 face significantly higher risk of academic struggle later.

Diana Froc, president of the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation, said the grant ensures continuity. "When we strengthen literacy, we give students tools they can use in every subject, every grade, and throughout their lives. This is an investment in the long-term success of our students," Froc said.

The funding will allow the program to continue operating and potentially accept more students and expand into different grades, though the foundation has not specified how many additional students the grant will support or which grade levels might be added. The program currently serves students in the Foothills School Division, which encompasses communities south of Calgary including Okotoks, Black Diamond, and Turner Valley.