MINNEAPOLIS — The U.S. Department of Education has provided $21 million to improve student literacy for some 30,000 students in Minnesota.

Preschool programs, low income students, those who are learning English and students with special needs will benefit from the funding.

According to a press release, the money comes from the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program and will be used to support teachers, nonprofits and families working to improve students’ reading skills.

The funding can be used for reading coaches, summer literacy programs, teacher training, classroom supplies and data collection.