Sandbox for Literacy Innovations Info Sessions
We’re thrilled to announce that the Joan Ganz Cooney Center Sandbox for Literacy Innovations call for applications is now officially open through August 29, 2025. Supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Sandbox supports the development of cutting-edge educational technology and media, grounded in rigorous research and children’s lived experiences.
The Sandbox is already showing promising results with its inaugural group of product partners, including LeapFrog, Sago Mini, and LitLab. Participating organizations receive actionable, research-based guidance through consultation with the Cooney Center’s literacy experts, engage directly with children in co-design sessions, and contribute to research that has the potential to shape the future of educational media. In return, they share insights into product development that inform the Cooney Center’s broader research into how evidence and children’s voices can shape more effective literacy tools.
Now, we’re looking for new partners to collaborate with us in this bold effort. The Sandbox is open to organizations that are:
- Developing interactive technology or media supporting English literacy development
- Targeting children or youth (ages 3-17), for use in school or at home
- Focused on the United States market
Thanks to generous underwriting from the Walton Family Foundation, there is no financial cost for partner organizations to participate in these research and co-design activities.
Sandbox partners will be selected through a competitive review process led by the Cooney Center team. Partners must be willing and able to commit to a six-month engagement, including regular virtual meetings and in-person co-design sessions in New York City, followed by periodic reporting and engagement for two additional years. You can learn more about the Sandbox for Literacy Innovations here, and apply here. We will host two open FAQ sessions.
Join us on zoom:
July 28 at 12:00 pm ET (Zoom link)
August 13 at 12:00 pm ET (Zoom link)
