The grant is part of a statewide partnership named the Unlimited Potential Initiative (UPI), which involves the collaboration of the University of Central Florida, Florida International University and the University of South Florida.
According to the project abstract, the main objective of the initiative is to boost student outcomes in needy districts across Florida by giving them technical assistance over the next five years. This involves providing hands-on IT services to school partners, ramping up pipeline services and expanding the network of university partnership community schools throughout the state.
Additional goals include:
- Improving access to and coordination of community-based activities and services for students and families
- Strengthening the resources that partner universities offer to districts and schools to aid in implementing the initiative
- Boosting enrollment and participation in pipeline activities and services related to the initiative
The UPI grant, led by FAMU's Office of the Provost, is part of a larger $50 million U.S. Department of Education's Full-Service Community Schools grant overseen by the University of Central Florida. The grant will assist in growing the number of community school sites across Florida focusing on those in high-needs districts. It plans to expand services to impact up to 40 community schools throughout the state, including both existing ones and new additions.
