Washington State Schools lose $13.2 Million Grant for Rigorous Math/Science Programs

VANCOUVER, WA – May 2, 2008 –The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) has phased out the $13.2 million grant that was previously awarded to Vancouver-based Mentoring Advanced Programs for Students (MAPS).  Washington State schools were unable to agree to contract terms in the NMSI grant for direct payments to Advanced Placement teachers.

Washington was among seven states selected for NMSI grants last year out of 28 states that had applied.  The funds in the Washington grant were to have supported intensive teacher training and coaching, tutoring and preparation sessions for students, materials and equipment, and incentives for teachers and students.  About 22% of the $13.2 million would have been spent on additional pay for teachers based on both participation and performance in the program.

The grant would have provided funding for up to five years for selected high schools across the state.  Schools selected in the initial round of applications include:  Evergreen and Union High Schools (Evergreen S.D., Vancouver), North Central and Ferris High Schools (Spokane S.D., Spokane), University High School (Central Valley S.D., Spokane) and Franklin and West Seattle High Schools (Seattle S.D., Seattle).  The schools would have received an average of $114,000 each in just the first year of the five year grant. Additional high schools would have been selected in subsequent years.

According to Scott Keeney, chairman of the board and founder of MAPS, “I believe this is an enormous loss to the young people in our state who would have benefited from the $13.2 million.  I firmly believe that enhancing rigorous classes is critical for the future competitiveness of Washington State.  Unfortunately we have lost a large opportunity for students and teachers.”

Representative Bill Fromhold (49th legislative district, Vancouver) announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election to the Legislature in order to take on the position of Executive Director of MAPS.  Fromhold acknowledges, “At this point in my life I wanted to be involved in a program that would directly make a difference in kids’ futures.  I’m beyond disappointed in the loss this represents.”

About Mentoring Advanced Programs forStudents (MAPS)
Launched in 2005, Mentoring Advanced Programs for Students (MAPS) is a unique, business-education non-profit organization that works with school districts, teachers, high school students, and professionals from the business world to bring real-world relevance, rigor, and relationships to the classroom.  Its mission is to challenge high school students to succeed in more rigorous academic subjects to prepare them to become future leaders and innovators in the global economy.  For more information about MAPS, please visit their website at www.apmentoring.org.

About the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI)
The National Math and Science Initiative, a non-profit organization, was created in 2007 as a result of the blue-ribbon report by the National Academies,“Rising above the Gathering Storm,” which warned America’s competiveness is being threatened by a national decline in math and science achievement. NMSI’s mission is expanding programs with proven success in math and science education across the nation.  The initial focus is on replicating two programs that each have 10 years of data proving they work:  a training and incentive program for Advanced Placement* courses and UTeach, a  program to recruit, prepare and retain qualified math, science and computer science teachers.  NMSI is primarily funded by a $125 million grant from the Exxon Corporation, with major support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
http://www.nationalmathandscience.org       

*AP and Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.