IOW schools receive grant money

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Isle of Wight County Schools received nearly $100,000 in grants to support the division's boosting graduation rates and expand student opportunities.

Opportunity, Inc., a Norfolk-based non-profit, committed $98,000 through the Workforce Investment Act In-School Youth Program, a news release from Isle of Wight Schools said.

Ten thousand dollars will be used to support dual enrollment courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The release said these courses will be delivered in partnership with a local community college or public university.

In addition, a three-tiered program will be implemented using an $88,000 grant to allow students opportunities in career exploration and immersion, academic preparation, and summer internships.

Program highlights include field trips to various local employers, career awareness activities, dual credit enrollment in college coursework, and paid/unpaid internships.

High school juniors and seniors on track to graduate or attain their GED within a maximum of two consecutive years will be eligible to participate.

A committee of administrators, teachers, and community members is currently reviewing the dual credit and dual enrollment program to identify more opportunities for students to earn dual credit.