Apache Junction school district receives 4 grants totaling more than $1.1M

Apache Junction Unified School District has been awarded four competitive grants totaling more than $1.1 million that will expand student support services, strengthen academic success and enhance campus safety across the district.

The newly awarded funding includes:

• $50,000 for a direct student services grant to provide additional tutoring opportunities for students while also supporting professional development for staff, helping strengthen instruction and student outcomes, it states in a release.
• $127,500 for the 9th Grade Student Success Initiative. In partnership with the Center for High School Success, AJUSD will implement a focused ninth-grade success model. Research consistently shows that a strong freshman year is a key predictor of long-term academic achievement and increased graduation rates.
• $120,000 for the 21st Century Community Learning Center. This funding will support the expansion of the district’s high school Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program through after-school and summer enrichment opportunities, giving students additional pathways to build leadership skills and stay engaged beyond the school day.
• $877,863.46 for a school safety grant. The district has also secured funding to provide a resource officer at each campus, with the exception of Classical Academy at Superstition Mountain. In addition, AJUSD is working to secure a counselor or social worker to serve each school site, further strengthening student support systems.

“This is about doing the work that actually moves the needle for kids. It means supporting them early, keeping them engaged and making sure they feel safe at school. These grants give us the ability to do more of that, faster,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Pappalardo said in the release.

AJUSD credits the continued success of its grant efforts to Grants Coordinator LisaMarie Rudolph, whose work has brought significant additional resources into the district. Rudolph continues to actively pursue new funding opportunities that benefit both students and staff, the release states.

With these new grants in place, AJUSD will continue expanding opportunities for students while ensuring safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environments across all schools, it states in the release.