Richland One awarded $15 million grant to add magnet programs

Richland One has been awarded a $15 million federal grant to add magnet programs to four district schools. The award announcement was made September 27 by the U.S. Department of Education.

Funds from the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) will help expand the Richland One Language Immersion Program at Carver-Lyon Elementary School to include French and related arts, along with a global leadership component. Three other Richland One schools will use their grant money to focus on leadership and career readiness. Bradley Elementary School will create a career awareness program. W.G. Sanders Middle School will have a career exploration magnet. W.J. Keenan High School will develop a career preparation magnet, as well as four academies to help students prepare for jobs in the fields of hospitality/tourism, government, entrepreneurship and engineering.

“We are excited about receiving this grant which will help us expand the educational options we offer our students,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.

The four district magnet programs will begin in the 2018-2019 school year. Richland One is one of 32 districts in the nation to receive the grants. The grant funds will be awarded over a five-year period. The goal of the MSAP grants is to create magnet schools that increase racial integration and promote academic opportunity and excellence.