BArT Awarded Civics Teaching and Learning Grant

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ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded almost $972,000 in Civics Teaching and Learning Grants to 37 school districts and education collaboratives. 
 
BArT Charter Public School received an award of $16,000 through this program. These grants support curriculum and professional development to further civic knowledge and skills among students. In addition, they support the implementation of grade 8 and high school student-led civics projects, the hosting of local civics project showcases, participation in the Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases, and other enrichment activities focused on meaningful civic learning.
 
"These projects empower students as agents of change, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address injustices and improve their communities. This grant will help provide all students with this important learning experience," said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.
 
The Civics Teaching and Learning Grants are funded through the state's Civics Project Trust Fund and are intended to support civics instruction aligned with the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework and the implementation of student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects as required by Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018.
 
"High-quality civics education bridges the gap between the classroom and the world outside the school walls," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez.?"This grant will provide students across the Commonwealth with deeper learning opportunities, leveraging students' identity and creativity to engage in meaningful civic action projects in their community."  

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Adams Applies for CDBG Grant to Address Blight

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The town continues its efforts to address blight in the community by applying for funds through the Community Development Block Grant, as it has done years prior.  
 
The Select Board recently approved the grant application requesting $950,000 to fund the highly anticipated Winter Street reconstruction and the town's Adams Housing Rehabilitation Program. 
 
CDBG is a federally funded competitive grant program administered by the state. It can be used for activities that address blight, housing, beautification, demolition and economic development.
 
The need for these funds is substantial as towns work to balance addressing high-cost infrastructure repairs with limited state and federal funding, such as Chapter 90, said Donna Cesan, community development director. 
 
"Adams is one of the poor communities in the commonwealth.  Here in the Northern Berkshires, we're still recovering from the '60s and the loss of our manufacturing base, so it's been a slow recovery," she said. 
 
Cesan has been working with the town for more than 20 years and during that time has seen improvements but there are still setbacks, including the rising costs to address the communities needs. 
 
"To continue to work on projects like this to improve the community. So, I think Adams is very deserving of this. I think the community needs this," she said. 
 
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