Virginia is receiving nearly $189,000 in federal grants to help pay for low-income students to take advanced placement tests.
The funding is part of more than $21.5 million in grants to more than 43 states from the U.S. Department of Education. Officials say levels of funding were determined by state estimates of the numbers of tests that would be taken by low-income students.
The program is aimed at encouraging students to take the advanced placement tests and get college credit.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan say participating in advanced placement courses is an important element in creating a college-going culture in the nation's high schools. He says the courses help students develop the study skills, critical reasoning and habits that prepare them for the transition to college.
