Application packages for the1998/99 adult literacy cost-shared grants are now available.

Grants for adult literacy initiatives have been funded by the NLS and the B.C. Ministry of Education, Skills and Training (MoEST) since 1987. The fund for B.C. is currently $1,600,000.

The purpose of the fund is to encourage and improve partnerships between community groups, school districts and colleges, and to promote the active involvement of all sectors of society in adult literacy education.

Groups eligible for funding include institutions such as community colleges, school districts, First Nations bands, non-profit literacy organizations, registered societies with a literacy interest, unions and business.

Projects the program has supported in the past include public awareness, learning materials, professional development, aboriginal initiatives, tutoring programs, and learner events.

This year, the program is particularly interested in receiving applications which further family literacy, workforce literacy and research in literacy practice.

The kit includes an application form, the Call for Proposals Guidelines and a booklet describing the approved projects for 1997/98.

Applicants with concerns or questions should contact Linda Cooney. As the Community Liaison for the Adult Literacy Cost-Shared Program, Linda's role is to help people develop their project proposals.