COLUMBUS — Schools from across the state that are looking to embrace innovative ideas to help improve student achievement, increase efficiency and tear down barriers to college are set to receive a big boost.

A total of 23 grants representing 90 schools were recommended for $14.8 million in funding by the Straight A Fund Governing Board. The recommendations go to the Ohio Controlling Board for final approval on July 25.

Midwest Regional Educational Center, which serves Shelby, Logan and Hardin counties, is one of the districts recommended for funding.

The project title is “Onboard the West Central Ohio Career Network.” The project would add 12 additional schools giving more at-risk students the opportunity to earn a manufacturing credential. The amount requested for the project is $703,750.

The consortium members are Ada Exempted Village, Adriel-Detroit Street,Anna Local,Botkins Local,Fort Loramie Local,Hardin Northern Local, Honda Transmissions Manufacturing, Liberty Benton Local, Ridgemont Local, Riverside Local, Russia Local, Sidney City and Waynesfield-Goshen Local.

Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich created the Straight A Fund in 2013, and the state budget signed last summer included $30 million for a two-year continuation.

The department received 141 grant applications representing 404 schools.

Each grant application underwent review by independent scorers for both fiscal sustainability and to determine if proposals are innovative and have substantial value and lasting impact before being recommended by the governing board.

The Straight A Fund Governing Board is comprised of nine members, including the state superintendent of public instruction, four members appointed by the governor, two members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives and two members appointed by the president of the Senate.