(AUSTIN) - Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced today (Thursday) that Rio Grande City Consolidated ISD will receive a $500,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency for its Professional Development for Schools, Teachers, Administrators, and Regions (STAR) program.

San Diego ISD also received a STAR grant, totaling $677,184 for the two school districts in Senate District 21.

STAR grants will provide these school districts with essential funding and resources needed to implement and effectively integrate advanced and emerging technologies into their curricula. Support of advanced technologies will ensure increased student success in the 21st Century.

"I am pleased that Rio Grande City ISD will receive this significant grant that helps integrate advanced technology in our schools so students will benefit from state-of-the-art educational tools and materials," Senator Zaffirini said. "I also congratulate and am proud of the other deserving academic institutions that demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence, and I look forward the confirmation of this preliminary award."

Confirmation of the award is pending verification by the Texas Education Agency that the grants comply with statutory requirements and with the intent and purposes of the grant program as applied to the academic institutions.

###