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The Mercedes Independent School District has six million reasons to smile.

U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes) announced on Tuesday that the school district is receiving $6 million dollar  in grants over the next five years.

Among other activities the 21st Century CLC Grant program funds will be used to:

• Create before and after school activities for students
• Hire approximately 250 tutors
• Deter gangs and drugs
• Offer college readiness and workforce readiness activities
• Conduct workshops and parental involvement activities for parents
• Provide 21st Century CLC summer school activities to approximately 500 students in June
• Establish partnerships with the local police, firefighters and colleges

“Education is the key to success” Hinojosa said.. “I want to congratulate the Mercedes I.S.D. for its outstanding efforts on behalf of the community it serves.  I am proud that the students and families of served by the school district are benefiting from the 21st Century CLC Grant program that Congress started.  This grant provides needed resources to educate and train our young people for the world that awaits them.”