Concept Schools President & CEO Sedat Duman today announced that Concept has been awarded nearly $14 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education.
As a high-quality charter management organization, Concept received about $12 million through the 2025 Charter Schools Program (CSP) CMO grant. This funding will support the growth of high-performing charter public schools across the Concept network over the next five years. It will be used to replicate the successful Concept model or expand existing network schools that have demonstrated strong academic and operational outcomes.
Concept’s proposal emphasized serving students in cities with limited access to quality school options, areas with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and schools offering innovative STEM-focused and college-prep programming.
In addition, Horizon Science Academy Austintown (a satellite campus of HSA Youngstown, both part of the Concept network) was awarded about $2 million to expand its programming to provide families in the Youngstown, OH community with additional seats of opportunity.
“This $14 million in federal grants represents a tremendous investment in the future of our students and communities,” said Duman. “At Concept Schools, it means more Midwestern families will have access to the high-quality public education options their children deserve—options that meet students where they are and prepare them for where they want to go.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the selections during a press conference on Wednesday.
“A one-size fits all education system is not working for our students. Charter schools allow for innovative educational models that expand learning opportunities for students,” said Secretary McMahon.
This investment fuels not only the growth of Concept Schools, but also the promise of stronger families, thriving neighborhoods, and more students reaching their highest potential.