$150,000 DAF grant for DPS Prep Academy

The HICF is honored to announce a $150,000 donor advised grant to the Decatur Public Schools #61 Prep Academy in celebration of the first cohort graduating class of 25 exceptional students!

Since 2021, HICF donors and discretionary funding programs have supported this outstanding program, and have now granted almost $400,000 to support the Prep Academy.

"This year, 25 of our high school students graduate from high school not only with their high school diplomas but also with associate’s degrees from Richland Community College - a milestone made possible by the unwavering support of our donors.," said Ashley Grayned, DPS Executive Director of Innovative Programs & Strategic Planning. "Donor investments in the Prep Academy Program have given these students a powerful head start, saving them time, reducing college debt, and showing them what’s possible when a community believes in them."

The Prep Academy program is free for DPS students, who take classes both from DPS teachers and Richland professors at no cost to them or their families. For more information visit dps61.org/prepacademy or contact agrayned@dps61.org.