About

The Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE), funded by the Grand Challenges Grants Program, is a partnership between the University of Maryland and Morgan State University. The initiative is comprised of Faculty, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, and Community & Practitioner Fellows, with the shared goal of advancing literacy and equity.

MILE harnesses research-to-practice partnerships in various fields, including education and speech pathology, to address systemic literacy challenges. Initiative focuses go beyond siloed approaches to literacy, spanning from brain research to professional training for educators and policymakers.

Drawing on the rich cultural and linguistic assets of Marylanders, MILE seeks to build a world where literacy is a catalyst for transformative social change and equitable opportunities.

MILE’s mission is to build full and equitable access to literacy, in order to empower all Marylanders at every stage of life.

Since its founding, MILE has served as an international center of scholarship in language and literacy development and disability, grounded in four foundational Pillars: Education, Policy & Outreach, Professional Development, and Research. These Pillars guided the creation of institutes that brought together scholars, students, practitioners, families, and policymakers to advance equity-focused literacy outcomes.

Today, MILE continues this mission through a fellowship structure that welcomes faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and community practitioners. Fellows benefit from opportunities to collaborate, mentor, access grant funding, and share their work through MILE events and publications. This structure ensures that MILE’s efforts remain deeply connected to the needs of learners, educators, and communities across Maryland and beyond.

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