District awarded grant to increase equity, access to gifted & talented programs

Bloomington Public Schools was awarded one of 13 grants from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) for gifted and talented programs. The first-year award is for $403,753 renewable for five years for a total of over $2.5 million dollars.

The Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program grant provides resources to increase equity and access to gifted and talented programming for underserved elementary students, including students of color, economically disadvantaged, multilingual learners, and children with disabilities. 

This year, the district's Renaissance Project will focus on identifying underrepresented students in kindergarten and first grade at Title 1 elementary schools, preparing students for gifted and talented services in second grade, and identifying and supporting grade 2-5 students into full-time gifted and talented programs. 

The USDOE Javits grants are awarded for projects that support evidence-based research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and activities that enhance elementary and secondary schools’ capacity to identify gifted and talented students and meet their unique educational needs.

Bloomington Public Schools gifted and talented programs are designed to enhance the unique capabilities of gifted children and are highly regarded for offering opportunities to help academic and creatively gifted students continue to grow and be challenged. Programming begins in 2nd grade with multiple options through 12th grade.