Science laboratories get $6 million

Thirty-three Metro Nashville public middle and high schools now have more than $6 million to renovate and rehabilitate their science laboratories through the federal Qualified Zone Academy Bonds program.

The bonds are issued through the Tennessee State School Bond Authority and are available to qualifying districts.

Metro Nashville Public Schools received the funds based on two factors: a percentage match from private contributions, and free and reduced meal demographics. The Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach donated $1,099,000 in services and supplies while the Nashville Alliance for Public Education donated $149,839 in science supplies.