Wyoming’s efforts to help children succeed in school and careers will receive a major boost with the opening of the University of Wyoming Literacy Research Center and Clinic next year.

It will be located in the UW College of Education Annex Building in Laramie, following renovations totaling 3.8 million dollars.

During a news conference Monday at the State Capitol in Cheyenne, First Lady Carol Mead said the literacy center represents a major step forward in her focus on children’s issues.

A contractor will be selected in January, and the facility is scheduled to be open in in fall 2013.