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$2.9M grant helps ASU Prep Academy create tech-rich learning environment


January 17, 2014

The U.S. Department of Education's highly competitive Investing in Innovation Fund (i3) grant competition has awarded ASU Preparatory Academy $2.9 million to improve student achievement through technology-enabled learning.

With this grant support, ASU Prep aims to provide a unique blend of emergent learning strategies and innovative teacher effectiveness technologies to better serve students, educators and families. The grant will also ensure that all students have appropriate access to portable digital technology devices and are exposed to next-generation technology. Tech-enabled learning tools and other powerful educational resources will be integrated into the Common Core Curriculum.

“Education and college preparation demands increasing reliance on the latest software applications and technology tools," said Beatriz Rendon, chief executive officer of ASU Preparatory Academy and associate vice president of Educational Outreach and Student Services at ASU. "Solely relying on state funding will not provide adequate resources to create the technology-rich environments that are critical to ensuring success. The i3 grant will help us position our students to be among the most successful and competitive students in the world."

The award will also be used to promote long-term improvement in student academic outcomes in helping close the achievement gap for low socioeconomic students. It will provide means to improve student achievement in math, reading, science and STEM-related courses, as well as increase college and career readiness among all students. Additionally, a strong family-focused component will be implemented.

Just 25 applicants out of more than 600 were awarded an innovation grant. Additionally, each applicant was required to secure matching funds to receive the federal grant funding.

ASU Prep was the only K-12 school in Arizona to receive the award, which will be distributed over five years.

More information about the i3 program can be found at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/index.html#program.

Learn more about the program's highest-rated applicants in 2013.