Hopkins High awarded $75,000 AP STEM grant to expand AP computer science, business and pathways

Hopkins High School was awarded a $75,000 AP STEM grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, district staff told the school board on June 2. The grant, which requires board approval to accept state funds, was approved unanimously during the meeting.

The three‑year award will be used to expand access to AP‑level STEM coursework. John Sandler, the district’s AP coordinator, and Carla Leavonne, CTE coordinator, said the plan includes redesigning AP Computer Science to broaden participation, launching the College Board’s new AP Business and Finance course next year, and exploring AP Cybersecurity later in the grant cycle.

District staff said equity is central to the proposal: the grant targets increased enrollment and participation by students of color, multilingual learners, low‑income students and female students. The award also supports teacher training and outreach; staff plans to pilot an "automatic enrollment" approach for students who demonstrate readiness but may not enroll because of perceived barriers.

"Automatic enrollment flips the script — it prompts a conversation rather than requiring students to opt in when they may not feel encouraged," a presenter said during the meeting.

The board approved acceptance of the grant and directed staff to track participation, subgroup enrollment and exam participation across the three‑year window.

What’s next: district staff will implement course redesigns and professional learning this summer and fall, run outreach to prospective students, and report participation and outcome data to MDE as required by the grant agreement.