( KTRS ) Several Illinois schools will receive more than $20 million in federal grants over the next five years to help improve student performance and ensure students are better prepared for college.

State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith says there are five School Improvement Grant winners including the Gordon Bush Elementary in East St. Louis. The School Improvement Grant program is aimed at helping the state’s lowest-performing and neediest schools.

Smith says “This is essential to fostering continued academic growth and greater opportunities for all students.”