A new grant program from an Illinois State University student group seeks to make more diverse books available to high school teachers.

The Representation Project, spearheaded by the English Education Student Advisory Committee, will award a set of books to an Illinois high school English teacher for classroom use. The books can include novels, nonfiction, plays, and collections of poetry.

“We believe that the literary representation of the lives, identities, and cultures of diverse learners is essential to a socially just ELA classroom that engages and empowers all students,” said Director of English Education Maggie Morris Davis. “The Representation Project initiative grew out of our desire to have a small impact on Illinois classrooms.”

Download the application here. The application deadline for The Representation Project is March 31, 2019, and must be submitted to Davis at memorr3@ilstu.edu. While all high school English teachers are encouraged to apply, special consideration will be given to underfunded schools in urban and rural settings.

For more information contact Davis at memorr3@ilstu.edu.