Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026 establishes a pilot program to award grants to organizations for book access activities.

The Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Education to create a pilot program awarding grants to eligible organizations for book access activities. These activities include purchasing or acquiring books for children, distributing books, and hosting literacy events. Grants are capped at $200,000 and last for two years. The pilot program requires a strategic plan and community support letter from applicants. The Secretary must ensure grants are awarded based on viewpoint-neutral criteria and report to Congress on the program's impact on child literacy rates.

Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026 establishes a pilot program to award grants to organizations for book access activities.

The Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Education to create a pilot program awarding grants to eligible organizations for book access activities. These activities include purchasing or acquiring books for children, distributing books, and hosting literacy events. Grants are capped at $200,000 and last for two years. The pilot program requires a strategic plan and community support letter from applicants. The Secretary must ensure grants are awarded based on viewpoint-neutral criteria and report to Congress on the program's impact on child literacy rates.