Andover Public Schools Gets $150K Grant To Support Author Visit Series

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Public Schools has announced that it has received a $150,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to support its author visit series in the coming years.

The funding will be distributed over a three-year period and allow the district to expand its author visit series to all grades.

The series showcases authors from diverse cultures and backgrounds and helps to inspire a love of reading and writing, while exposing students to a variety of cultures, according to officials.

"All students should have the opportunity to share in the joy of meeting an author of a book they have read and to nurture their lifelong love of reading and books," said Dr. Magda Parvey, superintendent of Andover Public Schools. "We are appreciative of the Cummings Foundation's support of our goal to provide our students with a sense of belonging and connection to their community and the world."

The Woburn-based Cummings Foundation provides $30 million to local nonprofits each year. APS was chosen from 630 applicants following a competitive review process, according to the foundation.

"We are delighted to make this investment in Andover Public Schools, especially as Andover is an important community to the Cummings organization," said Joyce Vyriotes, executive director of the Cummings Foundation.

Vyriotes continued: "The diverse author visit series will recognize and celebrate the many cultures of Andover's students and families, hopefully inspiring a love for reading and writing that goes beyond the classroom."

APS previously received funding from the Cummings Foundation in 2019, when the district was awarded $100,000 for all five APS elementary schools to focus on cultural proficiency.