NEWPORT NEWS — The Department of Defense awarded $799,529 to Denbigh, Warwick and Heritage High Schools for the National Math and Science Initiative’s College Readiness Program.
The National Math and Science Initiative is a nonprofit that works with schools across the country to implement science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coursework for students and provides training and support for teachers.
The federal grant is awarded to schools that have students connected with the military and will fund study sessions, classroom materials and training resources for teachers at the three Newport News public high schools as part of the NMSI’s College Readiness Program.
Newport News Public Schools will spend about $172,281 over three years to pay for advanced placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) course exam fees for the program, said Michelle Price, director of public information and community involvement at NNPS.
The amount contributed to the program are projections and reflect anticipated expenses, Price said.
According to a news release from the city, the amount spent on the program, including the federal grant and the school district contribution, will be upward of $1 million.
In addition, students who score a three or higher on their AP exams will get $100 for each exam score.
This year, 231 students at Denbigh, 339 students at Heritage and 592 at Warwick high schools are expected to take AP and/or IB coursework, Price said.
