Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a grant in the amount of $2,474,276 for the Lafayette Parish School System.  This grant, provided through the Smaller Learning Communities Program, will go towards the Lafayette Parish School System’s Smaller SPACES project, which will provide student advising and academic support for high school students. 

 

“This is good news for teachers, parents, and students in high schools throughout Lafayette Parish,” said Boustany.  “The education of our young adults often goes beyond the classroom, and this program will assist in that effort.” 

 

 The Smaller SPACES project involves five high schools in the Lafayette Parish School System: Acadiana, Carencro, Comeaux, Lafayette, and Northside.  A Freshman Community will provide ninth grade students with a welcoming atmosphere that serves the unique needs of students transitioning from community middle schools to larger high schools.  Project activities will include Teacher Advisory Groups, academic planning, homework support/tutoring, after-school activities, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, mentoring, and career development activities.

 

The purpose of the Department of Education’s Smaller Learning Communities Program is to promote academic achievement through the creation or expansion of small, safe, and successful learning environments in large public high schools to help ensure that all students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to make successful transitions to college and careers.

 

 

###