Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will receive a $2 million grant that will help close the education achievement gap between black and white students in the district.

The grant given by the National Institute of Justice will be divided between CMS and the nonprofit research group, Research Triangle Institute, to create solutions that will help African-American students succeed. According to the school district, the numbers paint a grim picture between black and white students academic success.

Only 36 percent of black students are ready for college in math compared to the 79 percent of white students who are prepared. In the area of reading, only 31 percent of black students are prepared for college while 73 percent of their white counterparts are ready.

Next school year, the Research Triangle Institute will roll out a program at 10 high schools per WSOCTV. Parents will be taught coaching and student achievement to help in this endeavor.

"The parents have to buy in. There's no doubt,” family advocate Eugene Stitt told the local news outlet. “The parents have to be a part of the child's education from day one."

As parents get more involved, black boys, the most vulnerable group, can reap the benefits of the substantial grant.

Ultimately, the program is supposed to help a total of 20,000 students, academically and with behavioral issues to reduce suspensions and expulsions.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

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