Grants to go toward school repairs in 6 states

Time and a lack of financial resources can take a toll on the physical quality of schools. Perhaps a blackboard has been used one time too many and it shows, or classrooms have become so crowded they're beginning to affect students' grades. No matter what the case may be, if pupils are beginning to struggle because of poor school conditions, it's time to take action.

Repairs and modernization efforts will only become more important once schools finish implementing the Common Core State Standards. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Education is committed to lending a hand through its Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program. According to the Department's website, the Program provides eligible local educational agencies with competitive grants that go toward repairs and renovations that will improve students' health, safety and overall well-being.

The Department recently announced that six states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Montana, South Dakota and Washington - had been selected to receive more than $20 million in grants.

"Ensuring that students have a school environment conducive to learning is essential to improving student achievement and preparing them for success in the future," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a statement. "These funds to help repair and modernize schools and can reduce overcrowding and provide a safe, healthy, modern learning environment for children in these districts."