LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Federal education officials are sending more than $5 million to Little Rock as part of a new magnet schools program.
Officials with the U.S. Department of Education said Tuesday that the Little Rock School Board would receive $5,804,522 as part of the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP).
The Little Rock grant was one of 12 announced Tuesday that saw the program award more than $65 million in MSAP grants.
Education officials said these grants are designed to fund programs that promote desegregation, foster community collaboration and increase academic achievement & family engagement.
In the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona called diversity “America’s superpower” and pledged that the new grants would improve both “academic achievement and educational equity.”
“When students learn alongside those from different backgrounds, their horizons broaden, and more equitable access to enriching, well-rounded education can be achieved,” Cardona said. “These new awards will help us raise the bar for academic achievement and educational equity—supporting schools and districts in building enriching, diverse, and inclusive school communities.”
Currently, there are six magnet schools in the Little Rock School District.
Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School
Horace Mann Arts and Science Magnet Middle School
Booker Arts Magnet Elementary School
Carver Math and Science Magnet Elementary School
Gibbs Magnet Elementary School of Foreign Language and International Studies
Williams Traditional Magnet Elementary School
A spokesperson for the LRSD said a press conference would be scheduled for Wednesday to discuss how the district plans on using the grant funds.