Fayette County Public Schools Secures $15 Million Federal Grant for Arts and Leadership Programs

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $15 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop an elementary arts school and a leadership program for students transitioning from elementary to middle school. This significant funding is part of the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students across the nation.

This grant, the largest discretionary grant ever awarded to FCPS, is expected to support the establishment of innovative programs starting in fall 2025. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins described the funding as a “game-changer” for the district, emphasizing the importance of diverse educational options for families.

The grant will specifically fund the development of the Visual, Performing and Digital Arts Magnet at Harrison Elementary, creating a direct arts pathway linking it to the existing Visual and Performing Arts Magnet at Lexington Traditional Magnet School. The latter received an earlier grant of $840,000 aimed at fostering diverse educational environments.

“This underscores our commitment to expanding arts programming,” Liggins stated. “We recognize that students flourish with a well-rounded education that promotes creativity and nurtures imagination.”

In addition, Breckenridge Elementary and Crawford Middle School will implement a civic engagement and leadership pathway designed for students from preschool through eighth grade. This pathway aims to build partnerships with community and state organizations, offering students real-world connections that align with the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. This initiative ensures that students are well-prepared for future civic responsibilities.

According to Liggins, representatives from the U.S. Department of Education expressed confidence in FCPS’s vision and its capability to create high-quality magnet programs that can attract a diverse student body and provide equitable access to rigorous learning.

“This grant securely positions Fayette County Public Schools as a leader in innovative education and serves as a model for other districts across the country,” Liggins concluded.