State Grants Help Students Prepare For College And Workforce

Five Riverside County school districts were awarded a total $1.8 million in federal grants to bolster programs that help students prepare for college and careers, it was announced today.

The recipients of the Enhancing Education Through Technology Competitive Grants are:

— Moreno Valley Unified School District, $500,000;

— Palm Springs Unified School District, $500,000;

— Riverside Unified School District, $500,000;

— San Jacinto Unified School District, $50,000;

— Temecula Valley Unified School District, $500,000; and

— Val Verde Unified School District, $250,000.

The funds originated from the $862 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

A total of $36 million was allocated to the California Department of Education, which determined how much to disperse to school districts statewide based on their applications.

“These grants will help schools use data effectively to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap,” said state Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell. “With the state budget crisis continuing, our cash- strapped schools desperately need these funds as soon as possible so they can use education data and technology to better prepare students for college and careers.”

The grants will pay for data collection on graduation rates and aid in facilitating student preparation for a transition to higher education or a profession, according to the DOE.