Low-performing schools in Mississippi districts will soon vie for federal grants to improve their school systems.
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced it would award $7.4 million to Mississippi through the federal School Improvement Grant program. The donation is part of $546 million that the department began allocating in 2010. The other states receiving these funds are Illinois, New York, Ohio and South Dakota.
Within Mississippi, districts will enter into an application process in order to earn a share of the $7.4 million awarded. The state will announce the winners in May.
"These grants provide an excellent opportunity for school districts who are trying to make improvements in student achievement," said state superintendent of education Tom Burnham.
Typically, schools receiving grants have opted to upgrade their technology, purchasing smartboards, high-tech computers and classroom projectors.
Ohio recently received $400 million from the U.S. Department of Education to install similar technology. In addition to the U.S. Department of Education, major companies, such as Wells Fargo and Lowe's, have awarded education grants.
