Grant to Continue High School Reform Efforts – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

RALEIGH -- Gov. Mike Easley today announced a $10.4 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand North Carolina’s high school reform efforts, including the North Carolina New Schools Project and the Learn and Earn program. This grant is in addition to the original $11 million investment made by the foundation in August 2003 to help develop new, smaller high schools in North Carolina.

“This second grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a true testament to the strength of North Carolina’s high school reform efforts,” Easley said. “Thanks to the ongoing generosity of the foundation, we will continue with full-force our efforts to improve our public school systems to give North Carolina’s students a competitive edge in today’s global economy and better prepare them for high-skilled jobs in the state’s emerging industries.”

To read the full press release, visit the Governor's Web site.