The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is thrilled to announce the awarding of nearly $15 million over the next five years from the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP). The grant will be distributed over the next five years, with $6,513,812 being disbursed immediately. As one of only 12 districts in the nation—and the only recipient in Iowa—CRCSD proudly steps forward to fulfill its promise of preparing Every Learner to be Future Ready.
This transformative grant will launch the Future Ready College & Career Academies, empowering students by expanding opportunities for real-world, career-connected learning. These academies represent a bold leap toward breaking down barriers and raising achievements for all students, staff, families, and community partners. Starting with the 9th Grade Freshman Academy in the 2025-2026 school year and expanding to three career pathway-specific upper academies for 10th-12th graders in the 2026-2027 school year, this initiative reflects CRCSD’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that everyone is equipped, empowered, and engaged to excel.
The Future Ready College & Career Academies at Washington High School and Jefferson High School will provide students with personalized learning journeys that ignite their passions and prepare them for real-world success. Educators will be empowered with extensive professional development and cutting-edge resources, fostering innovation in every classroom. Parents will witness their children’s growth as they explore exciting career paths and gain valuable skills and certifications, while community partners will help shape the workforce of tomorrow by collaborating closely with these schools to create meaningful learning experiences. Local businesses will benefit from a steady pipeline of skilled, enthusiastic young professionals ready to contribute to Cedar Rapids’ economic vitality.
“Be You. Be CRCSD” is more than just a theme—it’s a promise to every individual in our district. By removing barriers and opening doors, we are unlocking the potential of every student, creating pathways for their future, and inspiring a community that believes in limitless possibilities. The Future Ready College & Career Academies will give students the opportunity to explore their passions, equip staff to deliver personalized learning experiences and engage families and the community in building a future where everyone thrives.
“This funding helps us deliver on our Portrait of a Graduate vision, where every graduate is equipped, empowered, and engaged to excel,” said Dr. Tawana Grover, Superintendent of CRCSD. “Over the past year, we have worked closely with our College and Career Connected Learning Task Force to develop concepts for our academy and pathways model. With this grant, we will be able to accelerate our partnerships with local businesses and industries, helping to prepare our students for college, the workforce, and active participation in the community. We are also deeply grateful to the Board of Education for their unwavering commitment to college and career readiness for all students, which has made this initiative possible.”
With this funding, CRCSD will invest in state-of-the-art technology, innovative equipment, and hands-on learning experiences that will connect students with industry-leading careers. A portion of the grant will also support professional development, ensuring that CRCSD staff are equipped to lead this transformation and inspire the next generation of learners.
“This grant not only expands our magnet program into two additional high schools, it also strengthens our commitment to college and career readiness, ensuring that CRCSD can remove barriers and open doors for all learners,” shared Jillian Schulte, Director of Magnet Programming. “With opportunities for rigorous, career-aligned education and postsecondary success, we are leading our students, staff, and community toward a brighter, more empowered future.”
“We are proud to expand our magnet program into Washington and Jefferson High Schools, creating smaller, career-connected learning communities that will empower students with industry-recognized credentials by the time they graduate,” added Adam Zimmermann, CRCSD Executive Director of Innovation. “This initiative is about more than just preparing students for what comes after high school—it’s about equipping them to excel at every step of their journey.”
Ensuring that everyone is equipped, empowered, and engaged to excel is at the core of CRCSD’s values. This grant reinforces our dedication to creating an educational environment where students, staff, families, and community members come together to build a future filled with opportunities. Together, we will inspire every learner to achieve more, dream bigger, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Cedar Rapids community.