Got this on another list… interesting…
The Center for Youth Development and Education (CYDE), a division of the
Commonwealth Corporation, is seeking letters of interest from organizations,
school districts, and/or partnerships that have the interest and experience
to start small schools using the Diploma Plus approach. Diploma Plus
combines a competency-based approach, a small personalized learning
environment, and transitions to post-secondary opportunities. The Diploma
Plus model serves youth who have not experienced success in large
comprehensive high schools.
With the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CYDE
will start 10 new small high schools (ranging in size from 150 - 350
students) across the country. We are looking for partnerships/organizations
who have been actively pursuing alternative education options and who are
based in communities/regions where there is compelling evidence that an
alternative to traditional education is needed (initially we will focus on
the eastern half of the U.S.).
Interested parties will need to be prepared to secure local and/or state
support for ongoing operational expenses as the Gates Foundation funds are
available only for planning and initial start-up activities.
The Solicitation Announcement and information on the Diploma Plus model can
be downloaded from www.commcorp.org/CYDE/DP. Please review the accompanying
information carefully. Letters of interest are due to CYDE no later than
5:00 pm. on May 19, 2003.