Delaware DOE Grants Outstanding School Programs

Over the past month, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) has provided grants to support outstanding programs in Delaware schools. And tomorrow is the deadline to apply to one of these opportunities to augment efforts improving student academic outcomes.

One of these grant opportunities is focused on improving college access efforts. The state is using its federal College Access Challenge Grant to fund these grants. At the end of November, the first round of grants were awarded to eight schools and districts. The second round of applications for this grant opportunity is tomorrow, December 19 at 5:00 pm. Programs that were funded include a partnership with $tandByMe and the University of Delaware and the Christina School District, college and FAFSA application workshops at the Indian River School District, and a College Access Intervention Program through a partnership with four high schools and Teach For America – Delaware. [Note: The College Access Intervention Program has been supported by Howard High School of Technology teacher Ashley Sorenson who was selected as a 2013 iEducate Delaware finalist for her contributions to this effort.]

In addition to the grants that focus on increasing access to higher education, the DDOE recently announced the award recipients of its Accelerated Academic Grants. This new state program makes funds available for programs targeted at academically advanced students. The program was created through legislation proposed last year by Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn and the chairs of the General Assembly’s education committees, Sen. Dave Sokola and Rep. Darryl Scott. Eight schools and districts were awarded, including Las Americas ASPIRA Academy for its QUEST (Quality Utilization and Enrichment of Student Talents) Program, Caesar Rodney School District’s blended learning opportunity for middle school students, and Capital School District’s Making Math Matter in William Henry Middle School.