Washington, DC - Congressman Lloyd Doggett announced last week that Kenedy ISD has been awarded $1.8 million over the next three years to expand and enhance Advanced Placement programs for middle and high school students.

"A challenging middle- and high-school curriculum is essential for students to succeed in their future efforts," said Representative Doggett, a senior Member of the Ways & Means Committee. "This grant will give more students more opportunities to learn, advance, and succeed."

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education will fund the Kenedy Advanced Placement Initiative (KAP-I) in all Kenedy ISD middle and high schools. KAP-I will use the grant to achieve its goals of hiring additional college counselors, identifying and recruiting additional students into Advanced Placement classes, and providing additional professional development to teachers of AP courses.

Jim Tom Nichols, Director of the Safe Schools Program added, "This grant will redefine student expectations to include more than just high school graduation. It will expand their vision to obtain advanced vocational or academic skills before their job as a student is complete."