February 5, 2025

Georgia Southern University professors Sally Brown, Ph.D., and Alisa Leckie, Ph.D., have been awarded the Research Grant Initiative for Implementation Research to Improve Early Language and Literacy Outcomes by the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy at Georgia College & State University.

The $50,000 grant will be used for Brown’s and Leckie’s enterprise to engage families in early literacy development through their new program, PAGES+ Literacy Initiative: Parents and Generations Engaging Through Stories and Language.

Modeled after a government-funded, national reading room program in Mexico, PAGES+ Literacy Initiative will bring in educators, community leaders and education students from local universities to lead reading groups in public libraries, churches and other community spaces in the Savannah and Chatham County area. Through these reading rooms, Brown and Leckie hope to enhance literacy in children up to 5 years old, a key developmental window, and to educate families on how they can establish their own reading practices and connect them with other readers.

“Think about language as nutrition for the brain as much as food is nutrition for the body,” Leckie suggested. “We need to give our kids language nutrition so their brains grow and develop. They need exposure to lots of language and experiences that connect words and objects.”

Funding will support the involvement of 30 community leaders and educators from Georgia Southern, Savannah Technical College and Savannah State University for three semesters. Thirty education students will also be supported, giving them the opportunity to gain practical experience from interacting with young learners and their parents as they prepare to enter the teaching profession after graduation. The grant will also cover the cost of developing training materials and books.

“It really is to instill the love of literacy and reading and give parents tips in a non-threatening environment,” Leckie continued. “They’ll get to know other people in their communities that are reading and make those connections, as well.”

PAGES+ Literacy Initiative builds on a bridge established by Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero, who united Georgia Southern, Savannah Tech and Savannah State in their efforts to promote public literacy through the Regional Education Collaborative. Strengthening the groundwork already laid, PAGES+ will move the region into sustainable literacy solutions.

“I’m so proud of Drs. Brown and Leckie and their groundbreaking work to improve early language and literacy outcomes,” said Amy Lingo, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education. “This grant will not only advance critical research in early literacy but also create tangible impacts within our University and the broader community. By advancing early language and literacy development, their work will help bridge educational gaps and empower young learners with a foundation for lifelong success. 

“This initiative aligns with our mission to foster excellence in education while elevating our community, and we look forward to the transformative outcomes their research will bring.”