In October 2017, DeSoto ISD announced the district’s receipt of a $15 million United States Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant to support magnet and special programs development in the district as well as the diversification of the district student population.

The Academies for Academic Enhancement and Excellence (A2E2) Grant, is aimed at equity, excellence and exposure for all students through field-based learning excursions, project-based learning, industry site visits and career and professional shadowing across industries in and around the metroplex.

DeSoto ISD was selected to receive this funding under the United States Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program. These grants assist in the desegregation of public schools by supporting the elimination, reduction and prevention of minority group isolation in elementary and secondary schools with substantial numbers of minority group students. In order to meet the statutory purposes of the program, projects must also support the development and implementation of magnet schools that assist in the achievement of systemic reforms and provide all students with the opportunity to meet challenging academic content and achievement standards.

These projects will support the development and design of innovative education methods and practices that promote diversity and increase choices in public education programs. The program supports capacity development–the ability of a school to help all of its students meet more challenging standards–through professional development and other enrichment opportunities that enable the continued operation of the magnet schools at a high level of performance after the funding ends.

The program supports the implementation of courses of instruction in magnet schools that strengthen students’ knowledge of core academic subjects and their grasp of marketable vocational skills.