AMES – Iowa 4-H Youth Development today announced the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). The grant will support early literacy skill development in all Iowa counties.

This grant and collaboration with Iowa Total Care expands Iowa 4-H Clover Kids K-3rd grade programming to include new literacy resources connecting youth health and wellness concepts, while promoting childhood reading. These materials make learning and reading fun and engaging, while incorporating proven literacy practices that support foundational early childhood reading skills.

All 100 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County offices will receive toolkits that pair a book with appropriate age-related activities and learning objectives. The kits include an innovative Iowa 4-H curriculum, The Balanced Bookshelf, that weaves together K-3rd grade literacy development and wellness education.

“Iowa Total Care is proud to support Iowa 4-H Clover Kids in growing early literacy skills. Together, we’re helping young Iowans build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and health,” said Bryan Sanders, Plan President & CEO, Iowa Total Care.

“We’re grateful for Iowa Total Care’s partnership in this effort. Iowa 4-H is committed to helping youth become Beyond Ready for their future, and literacy is a significant component of readiness,” said Mitchell Hoyer, State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. “We know that early literacy helps to improve long-term youth outcomes, and our Clover Kids programming helps set a solid foundation for youth learning.”

Families can enroll their children in Iowa 4-H Clover Kids by contacting their local County Extension and Outreach office.