FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2004

LARSON ANNOUNCES $450,000 FEDERAL GRANT FOR EAST HARTFORD SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today announced that East Hartford High School has received a $450,000 federal grant to implement a program aimed at improving student achievement by restructuring the school into smaller learning environments. The funding was awarded under the U.S. Department of Education's Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grant program. The funding allows schools to create and implement an academic program that reduces the level of anonymity and disassociation students feel in larger schools, affecting their education.

"This grant is good news for East Hartford High School, its students and their families," said Larson. "This funding will allow the school to create smaller and more personalized learning environments for students. It is a vital step on the road to improving achievement. The school has set very high expectations for itself and I believe this grant is a critical resource in helping them meet their goals. As a graduate of East Hartford High, I am especially pleased that the administration has the opportunity to implement a program they designed to meet the changing needs of the school and its students. The school's leadership is dedicated and determined and I have every bit of confidence that they will succeed."

Congressman Larson wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Education in April of this year, urging that the funding be awarded to EHHS. The school previously a received a $50,000 planning grant that was used to develop the program. The $450,000 grant will allow that program to be implemented.

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