DC Awarded $75 million in Federal Race to the Top Funding

District of Columbia schools have been awarded $75 million in federal Race To The Top funding to continue key aspects of the ongoing school reform.

DC Awarded 75 million in Federal Race to the Top Funding Dear DCPS Parents and Community Members,

I have just been notified by the U.S. Department of Education that District of Columbia schools have been awarded $75 million in federal Race To The Top funding to continue key aspects of the ongoing school reform. Race To The Top is part of President Obama’s $4 billion investment in education reform.

DC was one of 19 finalists in the second round, and was one of 10 to have received the grant. The award is a result of a joint application submitted by DCPS, public charter schools, OSSE and the State Board of Education. This award will serve 91 percent of the District’s children--in both DC Public Schools and in charter schools.

I am so pleased to be able to report this to you as we begin the 2010-2011 school year. Winning this grant is a testament to the extraordinary progress we’ve made as a city. The U.S. Department of Education clearly recognizes that students in DC are progressing at an unprecedented pace. In large part, this award reflects both belief and investment in the work of DCPS, our plans for the future, and the guidance and support that so many of you give to our children.

We’ve just begun our race to the top, and we are very grateful to have more resources to win that race.

I look forward to continuing to work together toward our shared goal of providing the highest quality education for every child in the District.

Michelle Rhee
Chancellor

Find out more information about the DC RTTT application.

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