More than 300 communities vying to become ‘Promise Neighborhoods,’ boost student achievement
By APTuesday, June 29, 2010
More than 300 aim to be ‘Promise Neighborhoods’
WASHINGTON — More than 300 communities around the U.S. have submitted applications to the Department of Education to receive grants under a federal program designed to revitalize troubled neighborhoods.
The “Promise Neighborhoods” program will award grants to 20 organizations and institutions of higher education to plan for a range of academic, health and career programs in distressed neighborhoods.
The idea is modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York City, where services to support children and their families have led to strong gains in academic achievement.
The one-year grants will range from $400,000 to $500,000. About 339 applications have been received.
President Barack Obama’s 2011 budget includes an additional $210 million for implementation and planning grants.
