Colorado was one of seven states that sucessfully completed applications for yet another round of Race to the Top, set aside for finalists who haven’t yet received an award.
This is the state Department of Education’s fourth run at the federal pool of money.
Nine states were made eligible in this round, competing for a share of $200 million provided by Congress. The money will be divided according to population of the winning states.
Of the nine eligible states, South Carolina opted out and California, submitted an incomplete application.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan saluted the seven successful applicants for the applications submitted on a tight deadline saying in a press release, “These states really want to drive reform, and we are thrilled to be able to support their work.”
Because the grants are smaller than in the first two rounds, the original Race to the Top applications must be updated to limit the scope.
Close to the application deadline, the U.S. education department also required applications to show how the money could also support improvements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM education.
To complete the application process, states also have to provide a detailed narrative and proposed budget by Dec. 16.
In October, Colorado also submitted an application for another portion of the Race to the Top funds for an early education challenge. If awarded that grant, Colorado may receive $60 million to advance early literacy initiatives in the state.
Both awards will be announced in late-December.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
