Montgomery County is among the statewide school districts that have been awarded a second-year school innovation grant.
Montgomery will receive a $50,000 grant under the auspices of the state Board of Education’s Profile of a Virginia Graduate program.
The award was announced Monday by Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane.
The grant will be used by the Montgomery school system to implement the Profile of a Virginia Graduate program through innovative technology courses and career pathways. Teacher externships and student internships will allow both educators and students to earn IT micro-credentials.
“These grants will help ensure that the vital work of innovation in our public schools continues despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19,” Lane said. “These innovations are aligned with the Virginia Department of Education’s vision of maximizing the potential of all students and equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed and graduate college, career and life ready.”
The 2021 Virginia General Assembly authorized up to $500,000 in competitive grants for the 2021-2022 school year for divisions to plan innovations approved by the Virginia Department of Education or to implement previously approved plans.
The legislature defined the essential elements of program innovation as student-centered learning with progress based on proficiency, real-world connections aligned with local workforce needs and emphasizing transitions to college or career or both, and innovative models for educator support and staffing.
