Harford Schools Awarded $870,000 Grant From Department Of Defense Education Activity

From the Department of Defense Education Activity:

ARLINGTON, VA –The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership awarded a $870,000 grant to the Harford County Public Schools through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 10 Competitive Grant Program.

The School District serves students from Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD.

“Our grant program provides needed funding for schools serving the children of our military service members,” said Dr. Shirley Miles, Director, DoDEA. “These students face unique challenges being in a military family and we are proud to be able to help the school districts that support them.”

Through this grant, the EAGLES STEM Initiative will be implemented at Aberdeen High, Aberdeen Middle, and Havre de Grace Middle School. The project will (1) increase student achievement in math, (2) increase teacher knowledge and skills in mathematics instruction technology, (3) increase student achievement in science, (4) increase student achievement in STEM Pathway courses, and (5) increase teacher skills and knowledge in Algebra instruction.

DoDEA Partnership Grants/222

“Receiving this grant enables us to continue building our STEM-related instructional programs and initiatives,” said Superintendent of Schools Robert M. Tomback. “We have an unyielding commitment to provide our students the finest education possible. This Department of Defense grant will allow us to develop students’ knowledge and skills—especially in STEM-related areas.”

The amount of the grant awards range from $100,000 to $2,500,000 based on military student enrollment at the target schools. While the aim of the program is to enhance the education of military students, funds may be used to raise student achievement for all students at the schools.
All grants focus on enhancing student learning opportunities, student achievement, and educator professional development at military-connected schools. Some grants also have a counseling component that focuses on easing the challenges that military students face due to transitions and deployments.

While some active duty military families are stationed in overseas locations, the majority live on or near a military installation in the U.S. Approximately 60% of the children of military families in the U.S. are school age and the majority of them attend public schools throughout the nation.

DoDEA’s Partnership program provides information and support to increase understanding of the unique needs of military children as well as academic support to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for military children.

DoDEA’s aim is to enhance the education of military students, but funds may be used to raise student achievement for all students.

DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools located in the U.S. and its territories and possessions. DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.