(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded an announcement made by the U.S. Department of Education that Sunnyside School District would receive a grant to employ critical dropout prevention and reentry programs that will help disadvantaged and underserved students complete high school. Earlier this month, Senator Murray visited the Southeast Yakima Community Center to talk about the importance of keeping students off the streets and out of gangs. Senator Murray is a long-time advocate of gang prevention programs in the Yakima Valley and has worked to secure funding to support their efforts.
“This grant will give educators in Yakima Valley’s rural school districts the resources they need to keep students in the classrooms and one step closer to graduating with a diploma that will put them on the pathway to a 21st century career,” said Senator Murray.
“We are very excited to see this important program funded. The support and resources provided by the grant will help those students who need extra support and focus to graduate from high school,” said Superintendent of Sunnyside School District Dr. Richard D. Cole. “We are pleased and see this as one more step in our vision of success for every one of our students.”
The grant, totaling $1,111,832, will be used by Sunnyside, Mabton and Mt. Adams School Districts to create a consortium to carry out dropout prevention programs. The grant is anticipated to continue for five years, with similar amounts given each year.
