MIAMI, FL – Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), congratulated Miami-Dade County Public Schools which has been selected as one of the winners of the 2012 Race to the Top-District competition. The school district is one of 16 applicants to win the 2012 Race to the Top-District competition. The winning applicants will share $400 million to support locally developed plans to personalize and deepen student learning, directly improve student achievement and educator effectiveness, close achievement gaps and prepare every student to succeed in their careers.

“I am honored to congratulate Miami-Dade County Public Schools on being chosen as one of the winners of the 2012 Race to the Top-District competition. This award will provide much needed resources to implement innovative ideas to improve learning and provide our students with a top notch education.  As a former educator and advocate for children, I am well aware of the need for vital resources and funding necessary to make an impact in the classroom and produce well educated and productive students,” says Congresswoman Wilson.

The Race to the Top-District competition grantees will receive four-year awards that range from $10 million to $40 million, depending on the number of students served through the plan. Miami-Dade County Public Schools requested $30 million.                                                             

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U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.