The U.S. Department of Education recently released the application for the 2013 Race to the Top – District competition, which will provide nearly $120 million to further support classroom strategies already in place to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness. The Department is looking for grantees who are actively transforming the classroom in order to meet allstudents’ learning abilities and making access to high-quality education a priority. Preference will be given to applicants partnering with public and private organizations to offer a wide range of services meeting students’ needs outside of the classroom.

The grants will range from $4 million to $30 million, depending on the number of students benefiting from the strategies, and will be awarded over four years.

Applicants from all districts are invited to apply, including those already in a state with a Race to the Top grant.

To apply, or for more information, please visit: www.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-district. Intents to apply must be submitted by August 23, 2013, and applications are due Oct. 3, 2013 with awards being announced no later than Dec. 31, 2013.