Pueblo D60 has secured an 'unprecedented' federal grant. Here's how it plans to use it

Pueblo School District 60 has accepted an "unprecedented" $15 million federal grant that will create magnet school programs at three neighborhood schools within the district.

Through the grant, Pueblo D60's "Project Heroes" will introduce Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) programs at Park View Elementary, the Risley International Academy of Innovation and Centennial High School.

Students currently attending other Pueblo D60 neighborhood schools, charter schools and schools in neighboring districts will be given the opportunity to enroll in the STREAM programs through the school choice process, according to Pueblo D60.

Ted Johnson, Pueblo D60's assistant superintendent of teaching and learning services, told the Chieftain that Project Heroes' STREAM programming will consist of an "inquiry-based model" leveraging STEM and arts-related programming to a degree not currently seen in other Pueblo D60 schools.

"One of the goals of this project is to create greater diversity within each school," Johnson told the Chieftain in an email. "By having an elementary, middle, and high school participate, we are able to create a K12 pathway of STREAM programming."

A Pueblo D60 news release said STREAM programming also encourages "creativity, collaboration, and use of social and critical thinking skills, while boosting curiosity and offering opportunities for real-world applications."

“We are pleased that we will be able to advance integration and equity through the establishment of three new Magnet Schools,” Pueblo D60 Superintendent Charlotte Macaluso said in the release. “This substantial grant will allow us to offer specialized instruction and innovative academic offerings.”

The grant funding for Project Heroes is part of the U.S. Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) and its efforts to "further desegregate" schools throughout the nation by diversifying their racial, ethnic and socioeconomic makeup, according to a White House news release.

In commemoration of Brown v. Board of Education's 70th anniversary, President Joe Biden requested a 2025 budget investment of $139 million for MSAP. Pueblo D60's $15 million grant to establish Project Heroes will fund necessary equipment, personnel and professional development at the project's three schools.

Efforts to implement Project Heroes will begin immediately with a year of planning and design, Johnson said. STREAM programs at Park View, Risley and Centennial are slated to officially start during the 2025-26 academic year.

"We are very excited to utilize this grant to provide an exciting opportunity for students in our community!" Johnson told the Chieftain. "It will also be an outstanding opportunity for our educators to develop their craft by receiving quality professional development in curriculum and instructional practices that promote innovation and responsive learning environments."

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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.