February 14, 2008 Alternative High School Initiative to Increase Support for At-Risk Students and Out-of-School Youth $4.5 million investment from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will build capacity of school providers and strengthen AHSI network

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Alternative High School Initiative (AHSI) today announced a new project to deepen the capacity of its member organizations and enhance the quality of its network of high schools that serve struggling students, dropouts, and over-age students who want to complete their high school diplomas. The project will be supported by two grants, totaling $4.5 million, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the Big Picture Company and the National League of Cities.

To read the full press release, visit the AHSI Web site.

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.