The Jefferson City School District will receive $25,000 for new books and e-books to expand the reach of reading in the community.
First Book's "OMG Books Awards: Offering More Great Books to Spark Innovation" nonprofit program focuses on providing equal access to students in low-income communities, according to a JCSD news release.
The books are selected by award recipients and will be spread to district counselors, libraries, community shelters, and the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City.
"With this award, we hope to build community connections and spread the joy of reading throughout the Greater Jefferson City area," said Melanie Thompson, chair of the JC Reads Week committee. "We want to increase reading opportunities for children outside of school, and to increase their access to quality reading materials."
The JC Reads Week program took place in March with activities for all students aimed to have 100 percent of students reading at or above grade level.
The initiative plans to have reading events in the 2019-20 school year such as author visits, literacy-based family programs and monthly reading challenges.
First Book's program will give more than $4.7 million in 33 U.S. states and territories.