The US Department of Education has awarded Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant for the third time in six years.
The grant totals nearly $15 million and is to be utilized by the school district within the next five years.
“This significant grant not only underscores the U.S. Department of Education’s confidence in our district’s capabilities but also solidifies our unyielding commitment to providing world-class, theme-based educational opportunities for our students,” said Director of Metro Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle. “As we continue to advance towards our North Star of being the premier large school district in Tennessee and beyond, integrating these funds will enable our scholars to explore, innovate, and prepare for a future that is boundlessly bright.”
The funds will support the establishment of six magnet programs within the district including Amqui Global Communications Magnet K-8 School, Cumberland College Magnet (K-5), Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School (6-8), Madison International Arts Magnet Middle School (6-8), Neely’s Bend World Cultures & International Arts Magnet K-8 School, and Wright Global Media & Mass Communications Magnet (6-8).
MNPS chose these schools for the grant funding due to a high percentage of minority students enrolled compared to the rest of the district. The funds are intended to increase opportunities for current students and increase enrollment.
The district’s objectives for the grant include reducing minority group isolation, ensuring enrolled students meet academic standards and are college/career ready, ensuring students benefit from the magnet’s specific offerings, and building school capacity to provide instruction that promotes school choice and diversity within the school district.
“This grant signifies a transformative moment for our students, staff, and the broader community associated with these schools,” said district MSAP Program Director ReGina Etter. “Through this support, we’re providing our students with unparalleled experiences, hands-on learning opportunities, and invaluable career insights, among other benefits.”
