MISD receives $150,000 grant from Google

Funding will support three programs during the next academic year.

Google, which operates a data center in Midlothian, has awarded Midlothian ISD a $150,000 grant for the next academic year. The funds further support and enhance two of Midlothian ISD’s flourishing programs, esports and Future Farmers Association (FFA), and will provide funding to establish a Hope Squad program at the district's two high schools.

"Google’s generous support amplifies three of our district’s growing programs,” said Midlothian ISD Chief Academic Officer Shelle Blaylock. “Connecting hundreds of current and future students to additional resources across multiple sectors enhances their career development, brings a whole new focus around student leadership and broadens a student's vision toward potential career interest and opportunities. We are appreciative to Google for a grant that will have extensive and enduring impacts.” 

The funds from Google will back several Midlothian ISD initiatives, including the addition of an agricultural trailer for the FAA programs at Midlothian and Midlothian Heritage High Schools. The trailer will support more than 800 participating students and 150 projects involving pigs, lambs, goats and rabbits for more than 100 days during the school year.  

Additionally, Midlothian ISD will allocate a portion of the grant to assist the eSports team and Hope Squad. The eSports team, which just completed its second year, has grown to 30 students and projects to be 50 students next year. Google’s contribution will also uplift the Hope Squad, an organization that reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. 

“Google is grateful to provide Midlothian students with the necessary tools that will expand their skills and abilities,” Kate Franko, Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs for Google, said. “These programs all help students explore and live up to their potential.”  

Google has had a presence in Midlothian since 2019, when ground broke on a $600 million data center, the company’s first-ever in Texas. In the five years since, Google has invested more than $1.6 billion in the region and state, including its recently announced data center campus in Red Oak.