We’re delighted to announce that The Economist Educational Foundation has been named a 2026 Successful Practices Honoree by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards.
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards recognise organisations in the US and around the world making an outstanding contribution to literacy. This year, 21 organisations have been recognised, with 12 receiving the Successful Practices Honoree award for their work promoting literacy through exemplary and innovative approaches. Announced on International Literacy Day, September 8, the awards mark the 14th year of the programme.
For The Economist Educational Foundation, this recognition reflects the importance of helping young people develop the skills they need to understand the world around them, engage with the news and take part in meaningful discussions.
Through Topical Talk, our free programme for schools, students explore the news via discussion and debate. Our lessons are designed to help young people think critically, communicate effectively and build the confidence to engage with complex issues.
The programme has grown significantly in recent years. In the 2025–26 academic year, Topical Talk reached one million young people, our biggest year yet.
We’re particularly proud that this work has been recognised by an organisation as significant as the Library of Congress. The Literacy Awards celebrate approaches that can be shared and replicated, helping more organisations find effective ways to promote literacy and reading.
We’re looking forward to celebrating alongside the other 2026 award recipients at a symposium and recognition event at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. this November.
Find out more about the 2026 Library of Congress Literacy Awards here.