ST. LOUIS, MO – [August 31, 2026] – The Opportunity Trust, in partnership with St. Louis-headquartered Emerson, the global automation technology and software company, has launched the third cohort of the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, a multi-year initiative to improve third-grade reading outcomes across public schools in St. Louis City and County.
Now entering its third cohort, the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge is building a region-wide movement to strengthen early literacy. Emerson’s continued investment, now totaling $3 million, is helping schools implement evidence-based reading practices, strengthen instructional systems, and advance the St. Louis NAACP’s call to close racial literacy gaps.
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“Now in our third year of supporting the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, we’re energized by the early results and the progress being made to strengthen early literacy for students across our community,” said Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of HR, Corporate Functions at Emerson. “We know strong reading skills lay the foundation for success in school and beyond, and we’re proud to continue investing in approaches that help more students become confident, capable readers.”
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge will again support four public schools with immersive professional learning and funding to implement the Science of Reading. Selected literacy teams will include educators, school leaders, district leaders, parents, and community partners, and will collaborate with leading literacy experts to develop and refine literacy action plans for K–3 classrooms.
Each participating team is eligible for a $5,000 planning grant and, upon completing the program, a $200,000 implementation grant. Schools will also benefit from year-round learning sessions, implementation support, and shared best practices across the cohort.
“Improving literacy outcomes at scale requires sustained support that helps schools build the knowledge, practices, and systems to get better over time,” said Eric Scroggins, CEO of The Opportunity Trust. “As we enter the third cohort of the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, we’re building on what schools have learned over the past two years and expanding that opportunity to more educators and students across St. Louis.”
Applications for the second cohort are now open and will close on September 11, 2026. School and district leaders in St. Louis City and County can learn more and apply at emersonliteracychallenge.org.
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About The Opportunity Trust:
The Opportunity Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity and excellence. Through strategic investments, policy advocacy, and innovative programs, The Opportunity Trust works to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life. To learn more, visit theopportunitytrust.org.
About Emerson:
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global automation leader delivering solutions for the most demanding technology challenges. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Emerson is engineering the autonomous future, enabling customers to optimize operations and accelerate innovation. For more information, visit Emerson.com.
Contact: Jordyn Elston
Associate Partner | The Opportunity Trust
