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The EdVenture Group Receives $4.8 Million for WV Family Engagement Centers
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The EdVenture Group, Inc. received a $4.8 million grant on September 26, 2018. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement to support organizations that provide technical assistance and training to state and local educational agencies in the implementation and enhancement of family engagement policies, programs, and activities leading to improvement in student development and academic achievement. Through a partnership of families, state and local educational agencies, school-level staff and personnel, and community-based organizations, the West Virginia Family Engagement Center will support student achievement and school improvement, and will increase the number of high quality educational options available to families.

The West Virginia Family Engagement Center will be a collaborative project of The EdVenture Group, Inc., the West Virginia Department of Education, and West Virginia University. Under the direction and leadership of Dr. Lydotta Taylor, President & CEO, and Dr. Meaghan Cochrane, Education Researcher, The EdVenture Group, Inc. will oversee all aspects of the project, including: recruiting and retaining school partners; training; technical support; coaching schools, families, and community organizations; and working with the external evaluation team. The West Virginia Department of Education will provide school and student data in recruiting high need, low performing comprehensive schools for participation in the Family Engagement Center. Drs. Michael Mann, Alfgeir Kristjansson, and Megan Smith of West Virginia University will serve as external evaluators for the project.

"The EdVenture Group, Inc. is excited to work with our partners to implement this meaningful program for families and schools across the state of WV. Our team understands the importance of family and parent engagement in a child’s education and look forward to strengthening relationships to benefit WV children."

- Dr. Lydotta Taylor, President & CEO

The Statewide Family Engagement Program (SFEC) awarded 11 grants in FY 2018. These awards total approximately $9.7 million and are serving 11 states. The following grantees will receive funding for up to five years to implement programming that supports the implementation and enhancement of systemic and effective family engagement policies, programs, and activities that lead to improvements in student development and academic achievement: Capitol Region Education Council (CT); The EdVenture Group, Inc. (WV); The Federation for Children with Special Needs (MA); National Center for Families Learning (AZ); National Center for Families Learning (NE); The Ohio State University (OH); PACER Center, Inc. (MN); Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence (KY); University of Hawaii (HI); University of South Carolina (SC); West River Foundation (SD).

“Research tells us that family engagement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism and improves student behavior,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Paine. “The West Virginia Department of Education is proud to partner in this important work, which will benefit West Virginia students.”

For more information on the West Virginia Family Engagement Center, please contact Lydotta Taylor, 304.296.9021×11 or Lmtaylor@edvgroup.org.