**Applications for the 2025 E-Reading Program will open on Monday 17th February**
Before you start
Please read all of the information on this page so that you understand how the application process works.
What we do
We work with teachers to identify kids that have clear potential to succeed in our E-Reading program. We loan them tablets and give them access to e-books that are interesting to them. We provide clear goals and positive incentives to encourage them to read more. We measure the reading behaviour and reading achievement of students before they enter the program and again after 12 weeks. If the evidence shows that the student has made good progress, then the tablet is given to them as a reward.
Key points
IRP is selective. We accept students that have the potential to complete the program successfully. Those with a reading age below 6 years of age are not eligible to apply. IRP rewards effort and achievement. Only students with a measurable improvement in their reading are given tablets to keep. IRP requires engagement and cooperation from the student's teacher and parent/s. This includes providing consent for the student to participate in the project, encouraging the student to read regularly, and monitoring and providing performance information back to us. IRP expects our loaned tablets to be cared for properly. Tablets are covered by 1 Year Limited Warranty, however, this does not cover accident, misuse, neglect, fire, or theft or damage. If any of these occur while the tablet is on loan, then the parent/carer of the student will be responsible for meeting the full replacement costs of the tablet to IRP.
Which schools can apply?
Any primary or secondary school who have Indigenous students enrolled and attending school can apply.
Our selection process
Our selection process has 3 simple steps: determining eligibility, completing and submitting the application form; and our assessment of applications. Eligibility is determined by completing questions 1 through 5. If the student is eligible, then the full application form is completed and submitted to us. IRP will then assess each application. We may require further information and will contact either the parent or teacher of the student as needed. Once our assessment is completed, we will advise the parent or teacher of the outcome as soon as possible.
Who submits an application?
Classroom teachers who are responsible for providing reading instruction to eligible students can apply. The application form must be prepared in consultation with parents and students.
How many applications can I submit?
There is no limit to the number of applications a teacher can submit.
Teacher workload
Teachers, please note that participating in this program requires your active engagement. This means some additional work for you. We require that you are prompt with communication at all stages of the program. You must be available for at least one virtual or phone meeting with an assigned Engagement Officer to discuss student progress during the program. If you are concerned about having to take on extra work, then we recommend that you do not apply.
Tips for success
The way to maximise your chance of success is by observing these three tips. Firstly, providing answers to all of the questions. Secondly, your answers should be truthful and accurate. Finally, you should pay particular attention to your response to the student profile question.
Student Profile Question
This is the most critical question in the application process. A considered answer providing information about the individual student is essential. If you offer a generic response to this question, your application will be unsuccessful.
Privacy
IRP only uses the information provided to us in this application to select students for our project. IRP is committed to complying with the National Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act). When an application is made to IRP, we collect necessary contact information from students, their teachers, and parents. We also ask for information about the reading ability of students. We only collect this information so that we can conduct our activities and deliver.
Further information
If you have a question please first read through all of the content on this page including the FAQ section below. You can also send an inquiry to erp@irp.org.au or leave a voicemail message on 0435 014 862. We will respond to you as soon as possible. Please be aware that we are a voluntary organisation and this means that we can't always respond immediately to your inquiry.
Student profile question
If your school is eligible to apply you should preview the application form here so that you can gather all the information you will need to complete the application form.
Apply here
Applications for the 2025 E-Reading Program will open on Monday the 17th of February.
Frequently asked questions
120 Indigenous students from across Australia will take part in 2025.
The application process opens on Monday 17th February and closes Friday 4th April.
Applicants must be Indigenous students aged 8-15 years (years 3-10) and be enrolled and regularly attending school.
Parents should read the What we do page. They can then talk to their kids and their teachers about our E-reading program. If you like what we do you can all get together and work out if you want to apply. Please be aware if your child is selected for our program we will need your support and help to ensure your child has the best chance of succeeding.
Teachers help us identify kids for the program. They also help monitor students' progress over the 12-week program. If you are passionate about reading and you teach Indigenous students, please consider getting involved. You can read the information on our website and talk to your students and parents about the program.
Yes. Teachers need to understand that there is additional work involved when participating in the program. Teachers initiate and submit applications. Teachers provide support to students during the program. Teachers are required to respond to our Engagement Officers during the program, and are expected to participate in at least 1 virtual/phone meeting to discuss student progress. If you are concerned about extra work demands, please do not apply.
| Item | Date |
| Applications |
Open: Monday 17th February Close: Friday 4th April |
| Offers made to students | Friday 20th April |
| Pre-Test kit sent | Friday 20th April |
| Acceptable Use Agreements sent | Friday 20th April |
| Pre-test results due | Monday 12th May |
| Acceptable Use Agreements due | Monday 12th May |
| Tablets shipped | Monday 19th May |
| Guides sent | Monday 19th May |
| Reading starts | Monday 2nd June |
| Teacher/parent check-ins | Monday 2nd June – Friday 22nd August |
| Reading ends | Friday 22nd August |
| Post-test kit sent | Friday 22nd August |
| Post-test results due | Friday 12th September |
| Outcomes announced | Monday 29th September |
We have a "use it or lose it" policy. If students do not actively use the tablet for reading then it is returned to us. We then reallocate it to another student.
Yes. At the end of 12 weeks, tablets are awarded to students who have made a significant and measurable improvement in their reading achievement. In addition, we will give successful students continued access to our e-book library so they can continue to access great e-books. A small number of very successful students will be offered places in our Reading for Life program.
No. We believe in capacity building. Our project is incentive-based. We reward student effort and achievement.
Yes. Since 2012 over 1,600 students from city, regional and bush schools have participated in the program with an 87% success rate. Our latest results from 2024 are strong with significant measurable improvements in reading effort and achievement. The average amount of time spent reading by our students increased by 68%. Scores for reading fluency improved by 32%. Reading comprehension scores improved by 64%.
Indigenous Reading Project is a voluntary, not-for-profit group. You can find out more About us, our philosophy, our approach to work, and our people.
Yes, you can download a copy of our fact sheet here.
We announce the schedule for our program on this page each year. If you would like to be notified as soon as the schedule is available please subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of our home page.
To find out more please contact us via email erp@irp.org.au or telephone 0435 014 862.