The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has announced twenty-six grants totaling nearly $1.4 million to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Wisconsin working to promote childhood literacy and increase access to higher education.

Eighteen grants were awarded to organizations — including City Year Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, Marquette University High School, Teach for America, and Milwaukee College Preparatory School — with K-12 literacy programs that build academic aptitude and help boost high school graduation rates. The rest of the grants were made in support of higher education-related programs, including scholarships for first-generation college students. Grant recipients include Alverno College, Carroll College, Marquette University, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Scholarship America, and the UWM Foundation.

"Few things shape the stability of a child's life and a community's future like education, and it all begins with being able to read," said Northwestern Mutual Foundation president John Kordsmeier. "By investing in effective literacy programs, more children will be able to reach their full potential and we'll build a stronger community."

For a complete list of grant recipients, visit the Northwestern Mutual Foundation Web site.