Sacramento-area students may have a better chance of becoming college- and career-ready because of $21 million in state grants awarded to local districts last week.

A regional consortium of small school districts across seven counties, known as CRANE, the Capital Region Academies for the Next Economy, was awarded $15 million on Friday. In addition, Elk Grove Unified and Sacramento City Unified teamed up to apply for and win a $6 million award.

Career Pathways Trust Grants help districts link learning to college and careers by establishing partnerships with businesses and colleges. The relationships help schools to build curriculum, bring in professionals and offer work-related internships, among other things.

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