MicroSociety Academy was recently chosen as one of 12 charter schools in the country eligible for a grant of up to $20,000. Telegraph File Photo

NASHUA – MicroSociety Academy is one of 12 charter schools in the country that was recently selected by Building Hope as a finalist for a grant of up to $20,000.

Amy Bottomley, the academy’s executive director, said the funds are sorely needed for programming and faculty support.

“As a charter school in New Hampshire, we’re grossly underfunded,” she said, adding that the cost of educating one student is $20,000 per year. However, the academy only receives $9,000 per year from the state. “We function as a nonprofit, we struggle to make the bottom line every year.”

According to Building Hope, a premier organization for charter school funding, the academy was chosen for its “exceptional impact on educational innovation.”

In addition to educational innovation, schools were also evaluated in three other categories including impact on community engagement, student empowerment and being model charter schools. One $20,000 grant and two $10,000 grants will be awarded in each of the four categories.

The grant awards will be announced at Building Hope’s third annual IMPACT Summit, which will be held from April 23-25 in Miami. Since it was established 20 years ago, Building Hope has awarded more than $1 billion to support charter schools.

“We are thrilled to recognize these trailblazing charter schools that have set a new standard for excellence,” said William Hansen, president and CEO of Building Hope. “Their dedication to community engagement, educational innovation, and student empowerment is truly inspiring.”

This year’s finalists represent 10 different states and U.S. territories.

“Our finalists serve their students, families and communities with love and a dedication to providing unique and effective educational opportunities. They are shining beacons of hope for the future of education,” said Sherilyn Moore, chairwoman of the IMPACT Selection Committee.

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