JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - More than a dozen Missouri school districts are among nearly 900 nationwide planning to apply for a slice of nearly $400 million in grants from the U.S. Education Department.

The department announced Friday that the unaccredited school systems of Kansas City, St. Louis and Riverview Gardens were among those filing intents to apply. Other Missouri applicants include Camdenton, Cape Girardeau, Ferguson-Florissant, Fort Osage, Independence, Jefferson City, Joplin, Normandy, North Kansas City, Poplar Bluff, Raytown, West Plains and West Platte.

The grants are intended to support initiatives that help close achievement gaps and prepare students for college and careers.

The Obama administration has already awarded more than $4 billion to 18 states and the District of Columbia through its Race to the Top competition. Missouri hasn’t benefited so far.

© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.