The International Literacy Association (ILA) is dedicated to connecting research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. ILA celebrates and supports the contributions of individuals and chapters within its network towards this mission.
ILA's Literacy Leadership Awards and Grants program aims to honor outstanding graduate and doctoral students, literacy educators, and researchers at all stages of their careers. Among the most prestigious awards is the William S. Gray Citation of Merit, which is a nonmonetary award given to ILA members who have made significant contributions to literacy development, including research, theory, practice, and policy. This award represents the highest individual honor bestowed by ILA. Nominations can be self-submitted or made by colleagues, with a rolling acceptance policy and a specific deadline for the William S. Gray Citation of Merit.