WS/FCS Awarded Magnet Schools Assistance Grant
Part of New Actions to Advance Racial and Educational Equity
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has been awarded the Magnet Schools Assistant Program (MSAP) grant. The announcement was made in a White House press release on Friday, May 17, 2024. That was also the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court outlawing racially segregated schools.
The School and Community Improvement Programs team of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education is responsible for the award to WS/FCS. The MSAP grant will be in the amount of $14.6 million for Project Revitalize.
Project Revitalize will help create new International Baccalaureate/Dual Language Immersion programs at Konnoak Elementary and Flat Rock Middle Schools. The program will also breathe new life into the magnet programs at Paisley Magnet Middle and Parkland High schools. As each Project Revitalize school creates a deep and enriching magnet theme program, they will also expand and enhance family engagement and community and organizational partnerships.
WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus said, “We are excited and deeply grateful for receiving this grant from the United States Department of Education. This funding will allow us to significantly enhance and expand our International Baccalaureate and Dual Language Immersion programs, providing our students with meaningful learning experiences to ensure they are future ready, able to thrive in a changing world, and able to make a lasting difference. WS/FCS is committed to fostering academic excellence, global awareness, and lifelong learning in our community and this grant will support the advancement of our work.”
In awarding the grant, the U.S. Department of Education noted, “Brown declared that education is ‘a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.’ We know that in many parts of this country, there is still much work needed to meet Brown’s full promise. WS/FCS's application demonstrates commitment to taking some of these key steps, implementing innovative methods and practices to both attract a diverse student body and provide all students with equitable access to engaging and rigorous learning opportunities."
“We're so thankful for being awarded this grant and appreciate the collaboration that led to securing the Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant for Project Revitalize,” said Stephanie Williamson, WS/FCS Director of Grants. “This achievement is a testament to the power of teamwork and highlights our shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all of our WS/FCS students.”
The full press release and more information can be found here.