Grant Expands Innovative Programs for Elementary and Middle School Students
The five-year grant was awarded to the Pasadena Unified School District after a rigorous and competitive grant application process led by district staff and the Pasadena Educational Foundation.
Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has been awarded a $15 million Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create and expand three new or revised magnet programs. This is the third major magnet grant awarded to PUSD since 2013. PUSD is among 19 programs in the U.S. to receive the magnet grant.
“This third magnet grant solidifies the vibrant public school choices for families of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre and affirms the excellent work we have done to provide exciting and rigorous academic programming to our students,” said Superintendent Brian McDonald, Ed.D. “For PUSD to receive this third grant speaks to the confidence in our district’s ability to implement two other magnet grants successfully.”
The new five-year grant brings an environmental science program to Washington Elementary STEM Magnet, adds a new Cross-Cultural Learning magnet at Longfellow Elementary, and enhances the visual and performing arts and French programs at Eliot Arts Magnet.
The MSAP grant also brings expanded language learning opportunities and articulated pathways between our elementary and middle schools. Longfellow Elementary’s existing Spanish Dual Language Immersion program and Washington STEM’s new Spanish World Language Program align with the Spanish language learning opportunities at Octavia E. Butler Magnet (middle school STEAM/Spanish Immersion). Eliot Arts Magnet is adding a new and exciting arts conservatory and adding French dual language immersion to align course offerings with Altadena Arts Magnet, just down the street.
The award provides funding to develop thematic innovative programs that bring students together from different social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. The District’s new MSAP funds will support the creation of collaborative learning spaces and inspiring facilities to support thematic learning with professional partners in our community. Teachers will be provided with professional development and collaboration opportunities.
The five-year grant was awarded to the Pasadena Unified School District after a rigorous and competitive grant application process led by district staff and the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), a non-profit, community-based organization that supports educational programs at public schools in PUSD.
PUSD’s first MSAP grant in 2013 established four magnet schools: Jackson STEM Dual Language Magnet (grades K-5), Washington Elementary STEM Magnet (grades K-5), Washington STEAM Magnet Academy (grades 6-8), and Eliot Arts Magnet (grades 6-8).
The 2017 grant established the thriving arts program at Altadena Arts Magnet (formerly Altadena Elementary), added an engaging Spanish Dual Immersion program at Washington STEAM (now renamed Octavia E. Butler Magnet), and established the robust Early College Magnet program at John Muir High School.
PUSD is among 19 magnet programs in the U.S. to receive the 2022 MSAP grants, which total $110 million this year and are administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Learn more about PUSD’s magnet schools at www.pusd.us/magnets
Article courtesy Pasadena Unified School District
