Information regarding the Grant Application for College Board EXCELerator Schools Program (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

The College Board EXCELerator Schools Program, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to partner with several urban school districts throughout the country. The College Board’s comprehensive programs and services will be offered to four district high schools and their feeder middle schools. Programs and services include rigorous academic programs, extensive staff development, college planning and preparation, and supports for students/parents/schools. The grant period is for one year of planning (2006-2007) and three years of implementation (2007-2010).

Goal 5 - The District will eliminate the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

The College Board will fund a Program Manager to oversee the grant for the three years of implementation, and all licenses and fees for online educational services for students, parents, and teachers. The College Board will fund trainer costs, training materials and supplies, and trainer travel and lodging for all project staff development. HCPS will fund teacher stipends for all grant-related training. During Year Three of project implementation, HCPS will pick up the costs for required travel for two district personnel to the national College Board conference at a cost of approximately $2,500 and will purchase required College Board workbooks for participating middle school students totaling approximately $60,000.

Under the terms of the grant the College Board is responsible for the EXCELerator Schools evaluation.