$3 Million Literacy Grant Going To BH Schools

books-safe-6
books-safe-6

Benton Harbor Area Schools is receiving a $3 million literacy grant. Superintendent Andrae Townsel announced during Tuesday’s board of education meeting the federally funded grant from the Michigan Department of Education will be used to begin building a professional learning community in support of literacy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to be clear. This is a big win for Benton Harbor Area Schools. A very, very competitive grant, and I’m so happy that our state leadership believes that Benton Harbor has the capacity to execute and engage our young people in leveling up with regards to literacy.”

The five districts selected for the $3 million grants will take part in a statewide educational and professional development literacy network to improve reading skills in children from birth through grade 12. The state program is focused on high-poverty school districts. Townsel said there are many unsung heroes behind the scenes at Benton Harbor Area Schools committed to improving student literacy and who made the grant possible.