Five Illinois schools, including one in our listening area, will receive more than $20 million in federal grants over the next five years to help improve student performance and ensure students are better prepared for college.

State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith announced the School Improvement Grant winners on Tuesday. They are Sandoval High School in Sandoval, Matheny Elementary in Springfield, Gage Park High School in Chicago, Gordon Bush Elementary in East Saint Louis and Kennedy Middle School in Rockford.

The School Improvement Grant program is aimed at helping the state’s lowest-performing and neediest schools. This year’s winners were selected from 18 Illinois applicants.

Smith says the grants provide “invaluable support and resources.” He says, “This is essential to fostering continued academic growth and greater opportunities for all students.”