Lowcountry Literacy Project launches first Summer Teacher Scholarship Initiative
June 16, 2026
56 Educators Across the Lowcountry Participate in Advanced Literacy Training to Better Serve Struggling Readers
The Lowcountry Literacy Project (LLP) has launched its first-ever Summer Teacher Scholarship Initiative, awarding scholarships to public school educators seeking advanced training in evidence-based literacy instruction. The groundbreaking program marks a significant milestone for the organization and reflects its commitment to strengthening literacy outcomes across the Lowcountry.
This summer, 56 educators from schools and organizations throughout the region are dedicating their break to deepen their understanding of the science of reading and structured literacy practices. Participants are enrolled in one of two professional development cohorts:
- Orton-Gillingham Academy Associate Level Training
- Multisensory Structured Literacy Training (Introductory Orton-Gillingham)
Out of the 56 educators 42 received a scholarship made possible through the generosity of individual donors, foundations, and community partners who share a commitment to ensuring every child has access to effective reading instruction. Corporate supporters include The Beach Company, Blackbaud, and ATI Foundation.
By removing financial barriers to specialized literacy training, LLP is helping bring proven instructional approaches—often only accessible through private intervention programs—into public school classrooms where they can have the greatest impact.
Participating educators represent a diverse group of schools across the Lowcountry, including:
- Angel Oak Elementary School (Title I)
- Baptist Hill High School (Title I)
- Beech Hill Elementary School
- Cainhoy Elementary School (Title I)
- Charleston Day School
- Chicora Elementary School (Title I)
- Compass Collegiate Academy (Title I)
- Deer Park Middle School (Title I)
- First Scots Kindergarten
- Lambs Elementary School (Title I)
- Lowcountry Leadership Charter School
- Mitchell Elementary School (Title I)
- Moultrie Middle School
- Mount Pleasant Academy
- Murray-LaSaine Montessori School
- Pinehurst Elementary School (Title I)
- Pinewood Preparatory School
- St. Andrew’s School of Math & Science
- St. James-Santee Elementary-Middle School (Title I)
- Stiles Point Elementary School
- Stono Park Elementary School (Title I)
- Sullivan’s Island Elementary School
- The Cooper School
The Summer Teacher Scholarship Initiative reflects LLP’s broader mission of building sustainable literacy capacity within schools by investing directly in educators and equipping them with research-based tools to support all learners.
“Teachers aren’t taking the summer off. They are investing in their students,” said Lindsey Ballenger, Executive Director of the Lowcountry Literacy Project. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, 56 educators are choosing to spend their summer learning how to better serve struggling readers. This investment in teachers is an investment in the future of our children and our communities.”
Research consistently shows that teacher knowledge and instructional practices are among the most influential factors in student literacy achievement. By supporting educators in mastering structured literacy methods, LLP is helping create lasting change that will benefit students for years to come.
About Lowcountry Literacy Project
The Lowcountry Literacy Project ensures every child in the Lowcountry has access to high-quality literacy instruction, regardless of their zip code. By partnering with schools to provide intensive teacher training, embedded coaching, and targeted student support, LLP works to close literacy gaps and build pathways to long-term opportunity for Charleston’s children. Learn more at lowcountryliteracyproject.org.
