Distributed over the course of four years through the government's Office of Innovation and Improvement, the grant will be used to introduce young, typically-at-risk English-language learners to the theatre and help in the development of their verbal communication skills. The Alliance's Wolf Trap program works in conjunction with Georgia State University and the Fulton County Schools to reach 1,440 kindergarten students in 24 classrooms in Fulton County.

"The Department of Education's award of this grant validates the Alliance's commitment and hard work in strengthening the role of the Arts in schools while reaching out in a big way to our youth in the Atlanta community," said Alliance director of education Sharon Brewer in a statement. "We are determined to develop an efficient and impactful model that can become a standard for assisting young academically at-risk students nation wide."

For further information visit AllianceTheatre.org.