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.
