In 2009 the U.S. Department of Education announced the requirements and selection criteria for the monies attached to the Race to the Top Fund. The monies attached to this competition were awarded during phase one, phase two, and phase three. This casual comparative study examined the impact of the Race to the Top federal education competition on reading achievement within the regular local school district within Maricopa County, Arizona. Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) reading scores were analyzed for growth between 2009 and 2013. This quantitative study research identified some of the impacts of the Race to the Top on student reading achievement, student reading achievement with various types of regular school districts, and student reading achievement in Title I and non-Title I school districts. In conclusion, this research suggests there was a statistically significant relationship between the RTT funded programs and third grade reading achievement scores. However, a statistically significant relationship was not found between the RTT funded programs and eighth grade reading achievement scores. In addition, this research suggests the need for further research in the area of federal education grants and the impact on student achievement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]