Three Grand Valley schools are among the winners of a new awards recognizing student achievement since 2019.

Chatfield and Rocky Mountain Elementary and Bookcliff Middle School received Governor’s Bright Spot Awards. The schools also received $50,000 in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds to use for expanding student resources, faculty development and other opportunities to promote learning.

A total of 21 schools across Colorado received awards. The winners also included  Grand Mesa Choice Academy in Delta.

“Congratulations to these schools that have shown strong improvements in results despite the pandemic, and to all those that worked to advance students’ learning over the past three years,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. “The unprecedented challenges schools faced through the pandemic were difficult to navigate, but your schools, teachers and communities showed incredible resilience, and I am honored to highlight you all.”

To qualify for the grants, schools must have advanced more than two bands on their performance frameworks since 2019.

Winning schools will determine the use of funding. Eligible uses include behavioral and mental health services, faculty development, strategies to address emergencies and other school improvements.

“I look forward to seeing how you utilize the funding to keep uplifting your students and advance learning,” Polis said. “Investing in education ensures Colorado youth are able to thrive and access the high-quality education they deserve.”