South Carolina is not a winner in the first round of the federal "Race to the Top" education competition.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Monday that Delaware and Tennessee are the initial winners. South Carolina was among 16 finalists for the awards. The state had applied for $300 million.
Duncan said Delaware will receive about $100 million over the next four years, while Tennessee will receive about $500 million. The $4.4 billion program is part of President Obama's economic stimulus. The competition is designed to reward states for innovative reforms to improve student achievement.
South Carolina can reapply for the second round of grants. Duncan said there is $3.4 billion available for the second phase.
