12 for Life Receives Race to the Top Grant

(Carrollton, Georgia-January 12, 2012) Governor Nathan Deal announced on January 11 that the Carroll County School System and Southwire's 12 for Life Program was one of 11 partnerships selected to receive an Innovation Grant from the Georgia Race to the Top Program. The purpose of the grant is to offer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)-related advanced manufacturing opportunities to high-needs students at 12 for Life. The program is called STEM for Life. The maximum amount of the grant is $350,000 per year over a three-year period for a total of $1,050,000.

"The Race to the Top Innovation Fund provides a unique opportunity for communities to collaborate and leverage their expertise to develop innovative solutions in education,” said Deal

"The grant was made available to encourage and reward partnerships that are already creating innovative programs for students, so it is an honor to be a recipient. It is going to allow our partnership to provide even more opportunities to prepare students to be successful," said Dr. Doug Wright, Coordinator of 12 for Life.

The state received more than 60 proposals and the Innovation Fund Advisory Board, comprised of members of the business, education and philanthropic communities, is charged with making recommendations to the governor for funding.