Norwalk Public Schools Awarded $15 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Education

Norwalk Public Schools and the City of Norwalk are proud to announce the award of a $15 million federal grant from the United States Department of Education to Norwalk Public Schools District that will support and enhance the educational experiences at three of our schools (K-14).

Norwalk Public Schools and the City held a joint press conference on Friday, Oct. 13 at P-TECH Norwalk to celebrate this monumental five-year grant administered through the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP). Sen. Richard Blumental, Mayor Harry Rilling, State Sen. Bob Duff, State Representatives Tracy Marra and Kadeem Roberts, Norwalk Common Council President Greg Burnett and Norwalk Board of Education member Janine Randolph joined P-TECH students, principals and district leaders to commemorate the award.

The program’s funding intends to dismantle obstacles and create a more inclusive educational setting by strengthening curriculum and teaching strategies. The funding also provides the opportunity to increase the appeal and accessibility of magnet programs to a wider spectrum of students.

“This extraordinary grant represents a tremendous opportunity to transform the lives of countless students, create innovative learning environments, and inspire a new generation of leaders. We thank Secretary Miguel Cardona and the U.S. Department of Education for this incredible award,” said Norwalk Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alexandra Estrella. “It is also a testament to the dedication and hard work of Dr. Victor Black, Ms. Beth Furnari, and district staff that we were able to secure this game-changing grant.”

“I want to thank Secretary Cardona and the entire U.S. Department of Education for awarding Norwalk Public Schools with the Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant," said Mayor Rilling. "Student academic success is one of our city’s top priorities and this grant will help ensure our students have equitable access to high-quality education by promoting socio-economic diversity within schools. Through innovative educational methods and more professional resources for teachers, this grant will help more Norwalk students succeed academically and better prepare them for postsecondary education or employment opportunities.”

The schools set to benefit from this funding include Kendall College & Career Academy, serving students in grades K-5, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, serving students in grades 6-8, and P-TECH Norwalk, serving students in grades 9-12. The district will receive nearly $3 million in the first year.

P-TECH Principal Dr. Victor Black and Asst. Principal Beth Furnari spearheaded the grant application for the funding that aims to prevent minority group isolation and promote socioeconomic diversity in schools. These funds will allow for the creation of inter-district magnet schools, providing the opportunity for all children to receive a high-quality education despite their geographical location.

“This is a great opportunity for Norwalk Public Schools to drive student achievement through this research project funded by the U.S. Department of Education,” Black said.

In addition, this award provides resources for the purpose of enhancing professional growth. This commitment aims to equip educators with the essential tools and expertise to successfully address the different needs of their students.