The U.S. Department of Education has announced $2.4 million in grants to 13 groups to help high school girls in math and science, including $163,559 for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The four-year grants came on the 37th anniversary of Title IX, which aims to stop discrimination against women in education, including athletics.

"These grants go hand-in-glove with our efforts to improve equity and access for women and girls in the classroom and on the playing field," U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said. "While much has been accomplished since Title IX was enacted, we must continue to push for further progress. Fairness and equity continue to be important issues that contribute to gaps in achievement between students."

Under the grant, Pittsburgh schools will track 348 female students from grades 9 through 12 as they complete math-rich career and technical education programs. The district is joined in the effort with Smart Futures and the Carnegie Science Center's Girls, Math & Science Partnership.