The grants, announced today by the Michigan Department of Education and funded by the federal government, will help schools implement and coordinate programs for students who have been expelled or suspended by providing them with opportunities to perform meaningful community service activities; help them avoid negative behavior; teach them the value of service to others and their communities; and assist them in returning to an educational environment that is best for the student.

"A child without a solid education is an adult without much hope for a successful future," said Tom Watkins, Superintendent of Public Instruction. "There has been some exciting progress in helping re-engage students to return to school environment. These programs help motivate schools to improve relationships between students and staff, and improve the quality of instruction for students who have been expelled or suspended."

Governor Jennifer Granholm said the grants reflect the state's belief that all students can and must learn if Michigan is to prosper - a theme she set forth in her State of the State Address.

"We have high expectations of all Michigan's children," Granholm said. "These grants will help these students reconnect with their communities and learning, and get back on track to be part of Michigan's economic future."

Fourteen school programs are receiving renewed funding, including: Baraga Area Schools, Benton Harbor Area Schools, Detroit Public Schools Crosman Alternative, Detroit Public Schools Trombley Alternative, Flint Community Schools, Grand Rapids Community Schools, Hazel Park School District, Huron Intermediate School District, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, Port Huron Area School District, Potterville Public Schools, South Redford School District, Traverse City Area Public Schools, and Waterford School District.

Four school districts are receiving grants are new programs, including: Albion Public Schools, Hillsdale County Intermediate School District, Taylor School District, and Wayne-Westland Community Service.

"These students have specific challenges that programs like these are helping address on a daily basis," said Dr. Herb Moyer, vice president of the State Board of Education and chairperson of the Board's Integrating Communities and Schools Task Force. "No child is expendable and we must do all we can to bring them back into an educational setting and get them back on the path to success."

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