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Three Inspirational High Schools Win $25,000 Awards
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Three exceptional high schools have been named College Board 2009 Inspiration Award winners for improving their academic environment and helping underserved students achieve equitable access to higher education. Each winning school will receive $25,000, and each of the two honorable mention schools will receive $1,000 to apply toward programs that encourage students to attend college.
Remarking on the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, “At a time when higher standards and increased college readiness have become critical to our nation’s future, it is encouraging to know that these Inspiration schools provide a wonderful example for all of us as we work to reform our education system. Congratulations to these schools, their principals, their teachers and their students for this tremendous success. They show us what is possible.”
The 2009 Inspiration Award-winning schools are:
The Inspiration Awards celebrate America’s most improved high schools. These schools create a culture in which success in the classroom is “cool”; they help their students acquire self-confidence and the skills necessary not only to gain admission to college but to succeed on campus. Winning secondary schools demonstrate significant and consistent growth across the entire student population in the number of students taking rigorous courses and the percentage of graduates accepted to institutions of higher education.
In announcing the winners, College Board President Gaston Caperton said, “We are delighted to honor the 2009 Inspiration Award schools. They have made a difference in their communities and in the lives of their students. Because of the unique programs they have created, teachers, parents, community organizations and local businesses have come together to help students graduate from high school and go on to college.” The award also aims to reflect the importance of access to higher education for all students.
“The winners are models for others who seek to close the achievement gap. The hard work and dedication of these educators and the example of these communities are an inspiration to all of us,” said Caperton.
College-preparedness gains were measured based on a variety of factors, including the percentage of students taking college-preparatory core curriculum courses; the percentage of students accepted into two- or four-year colleges; and growth in student participation in rigorous classes such as AP®, International Baccalaureate or other honors programs. Beyond meeting basic eligibility requirements, the Inspiration Award-winning schools were selected for their innovative ability to inspire student success.
The following schools are recipients of the College Board 2009 Inspiration Award Honorable Mention, and each school has received a $1,000 award:
- Bell Multicultural Senior High School, Washington, D.C.
- McAllen Memorial High School, McAllen, Texas
More information about the College Board Inspiration Awards is available at www.collegeboard.com/inspirationawards.
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