Funds Target Educational Achievement Gap In Mass.

Gov. Deval Patrick's administration is giving more than $3 million in grants to Massachusetts cities in what officials say is an effort to close a persistent achievement gap in public education.

Patrick says the funds will provide resources to so-called Gateway Cities to support intensive English language instruction and help guide high school students toward potential careers.

This was the second round of grants tied to the administration's Gateway Cities Education Agenda.

Patrick says the achievement gap disproportionately affects students in urban areas, many of them living in poverty.

Cities receiving grants include Lawrence, Haverhill, Barnstable, Fall River, Lowell, Methuen, Worcester, Chelsea, Everett, New Bedford, Taunton, Westfield, Worcester, Brockton, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lynn, Malden, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere and Salem.