DIXFIELD — RSU 10 is partnering with four other school systems to get a multimillion-dollar federal grant for educational training and other benefits for the schools.

The RSU 10 board recently approved Assistant Superintendent Gloria Jenkins continuing with the lengthy application for Race to the Top money.

RSU 10 is joining with the Auburn School Department, SAD 15 in Gray/New Gloucester, RSU 3 in Unity and RSU 57 in Waterboro for a share of between $20 million and $30 million over four years.

The Race to the Top district program asks applicants to show how they can personalize education for all students, according to the federal government website. Another goal lists creating opportunities for students to pursue a career or work path.

Jenkins said the goals of the grant are the same as the goal set by RSU 10 to create Mass Customized Learning, which several Maine school districts are working toward.

“Personalized learning would be another step,” she said.

The idea behind Mass Customized Learning is that students move on when they reach mastery or proficiency in a subject. Children would learn at their own pace with a variety of methods, Jenkins said. The RSU 10 staff has begun workshops to learn the components of customized learning.

The grant would provide teacher training, stipends for work beyond the usual school day, substitute teachers, and technology to manage a personalized program, among other things.

“The overall goal is to make sure every child reaches his or her potential, that more students graduate from high school, and that more students meet educational standards,” Jenkins said.

She will bring more information to the school board when they meet Tuesday.

The application is due Oct. 30, with notification of the results in November.

So far, only the Portland School District has applied for Race to the Top district grant, she said.