School / Sports   News - August 18, 2025

South Barber was recently awarded a grant, for $106,019 from the Patterson Family Foundation.

South Barber students to benefit from Patterson Family Foundation grant
 

By Tammy McCain Lonker
The Gyp Hill Premiere
South Barber was recently awarded a grant, for $106,019 from the Patterson Family Foundation. The district will use the money for a variety of things.
Superintendent Dr. Mylo Miller applied for the Advanced and Specialized Course Access grant. “We requested $100,000.00 to expand access to rigorous coursework, enhance teacher capacity, and provide students with enriching educational experiences,” he said. “The funding is specifically requested as a three-year grant. The application was submitted on April 2, 2025.”
The grant will primarily be used for high school students. “The project aims to address the limited access to rigorous academic opportunities at South Barber USD 255 by implementing a comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum,” Miller stated. “We are currently adding AP Modern History and AP Pre-Calculus Trigonometry with the goal of a minimum of four AP courses in core subjects within the first two years of the project, such as English Language and Composition, US History, Biology, and Calculus AB. The plan is to expand the number of AP courses offered over time, based on student interest and teacher capacity.”
Teacher training and materials is another place the money will be spent. “The funding will be used for intensive, subject-specific AP training and certification for 12 existing teachers in the first year,” Miller said. “This training will enable teachers to get the necessary skills and certifications to teach AP courses. The grant will also pay for ongoing professional development, including participation in AP conferences, workshops, and online resources. As for instructional materials, the grant will help purchase high-quality textbooks, digital resources, and lab equipment for AP students. Additionally, the school will provide all necessary textbooks, materials, and technology to AP students.”
Funding could also help with some exciting field trips for students. “The grant will help fund at least two curriculum-aligned field trips per academic year for AP students to relevant universities, museums, and professional settings,” Miller shared. “This could include a trip to Washington D.C., if students qualify at the national level for a History Day event, etcetera. The first set of field trips will be organized in the spring of the project's second year.”
“A massive thank you to the Patterson Family Foundation for their belief in our students and their commitment to enhancing rural education,” Miller stated in an email sent to The Gyp Hill Premiere. “This partnership will open up incredible opportunities for our school community.”

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