Coalition Aims To Provide $620 Million for Expanded Learning Opportunities for Grades 6-8
Twenty organizations focused on education have pledged to collectively donate $620 million over the course of five years to improve expanded learning opportunities for students in grades 5-8.
Dubbed the Expanded Learning Middle School Initiative, the program aims to reach more than 1.3 million students and is organized by Citizen Schools, a nonprofit that partners with public schools through apprenticeships and academic support.
"The expanded learning model proves that middle school students enter high school with a greater chance of graduating and going to college, especially in low-income communities where there is a greater opportunity gap," said Steven M. Rothstein, CEO of Citizen Schools, in a prepared statement. "Providing academic enrichment in subjects like STEM and access to mentors who are scientists, engineers and doctors motivates students and gives them a chance to imagine themselves in those careers."
A formal announcement of the initiative will take place this month at the White House Next Gen High School Summit. More information and a list of organizations participating in the Expanded Learning Middle School Initiative is available at citizenschools.org.
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].