October 16, 2017

Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $15 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Baltimore County’s Public Magnet Schools

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced $15 million in federal funding for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). The Magnet Schools Assistance Program funds - awarded by the U.S. Department of Education - will be utilized by the county's Office of Magnet Programs to convert six public schools across the county into whole-school magnet schools and serve nearly 4,600 students. In addition, the grant aims to further integrate minority students in the International Baccalaureate and Health Sciences fields.

"Kids in Baltimore County and across the state deserve the best education and tools necessary to succeed," said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees. "By ensuring that all students are fully integrated into the County's IB and Health Science fields, we strengthen those programs and ultimately our entire economy. I'll keep fighting to invest in all of the schools across the state and make sure all children have the chance at a bright future."

"This federal investment in our students will help ensure that every child - regardless of their background - will have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed in school and onward in today's rapidly changing economy," said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. "Investments like these allow for a more diverse student population to acquire the analytical skills and science background necessary for college and so many of today's careers across Maryland."

The grant will be divided and dispersed over the course of five years, with the first award of $3,765,452 being issued this month. Baltimore County Public Schools is home to more than 112,000 K-12 public school students, 14 percent of whom will be enrolled in public magnet schools at the conclusion of the grant.

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