SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $21.5 million in grants to 43 states, including Utah, to cover the fees charged to low-income student for Advanced Placement tests, officials announced Wednesday.
Utah was awarded $138,828, according to Utah State Office of Education spokesman Mark Peterson. Funding levels for individual states were determined based on estimates of the number of test-takers.
According to officials, the grants are expected to cover up to $38 per exam, and as many as three exams per students, based on the anticipated number of low-income test-takers.
“Advanced Placement participation is an important element in creating a college-going culture in our high schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "These funds will help eliminate financial roadblocks for more low-income students and allow them to fully benefit from the AP program."