Hialeah-March 16: Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the award of $289 million in federal funds to communities across the state for programs aimed at closing education achievement gaps and advancing student growth.
The $289 million includes funding for STEM programs, civics education and after-school and summer learning programs. He announced the new funding during a news conference in Hialeah Wednesday.
“I am proud to announce an additional $289 million for programs that will improve student achievement and close learning gaps,” said Governor DeSantis. “This announcement builds on our accomplishments over the past three years to make Florida a national leader on education, with our focus on civics, early literacy and STEM programs. I look forward to more announcements in the coming weeks as we continue investing in education for Florida students.”
The Governor spoke at the Hialeah Educational Academy, a school that has dedicated STEM programs and offers certificate programs in a variety of fields including law enforcement, nursing and fire rescue.
Included in the $289 million is:
• $105 million for after-school and summer learning camps that help struggling students catch up;
• $47 million for primary materials aligned to Florida’s new standards for English Language Arts (ELA), math, civics and Holocaust education;
• $50 million to support reading intervention and professional development for reading coaches;
• $44 million to support STEM and hands-on learning programs;
• $22.5 million for resources to help parents be more involved in their children’s education; and
• $5 million to establish Regional Mental Health Resiliency Teams.