VHS Learning’s new partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) has helped more than 100 students from rural schools take Advanced Placement courses that would have been unavailable to them. The partnership enabled the schools to enroll the students in VHS Learning’s AP courses via a NMSI grant program. Students also received guidance from NMSI coaches. Schools will receive grants to cover all enrollment costs and student access to laptops, as necessary.
The students came from 15 parochial and public schools in Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Dakota, Vermont and Pennsylvania. The program allowed them to enroll in the following courses:
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Physics 1
“The National Math and Science Initiative believes that STEM education is the greatest equalizer to accessing opportunity and is unmatched in unlocking student potential,” said NMSI Director of Business Development and Partnerships Sara Leikin. “Our partnership with VHS Learning allows us to increase educational opportunities and empower better outcomes for all students.”
“We’re very proud to be working with NMSI,” said Carol DeFuria, President & CEO of VHS Learning. “This program prepares students for college and future careers, gives them opportunities that would have been otherwise unavailable, and enables them to work collaboratively with peers from around the country, all while remaining in their rural hometowns.”
While the application period ended in September 2020, the program itself will run for three years, from the 2020-21 school year onward. “Schools will have no limit on the number of students they can enrolled,” said DeFuria. “The goal of this program is to encourage as many rural students as possible to challenge themselves and excel.”
The American Consortium for Equity in Education, publisher of the "Equity & Access" journal, celebrates and connects the educators, associations, community partners and industry leaders who are working to solve problems and create a more equitable environment for historically underserved pre K-12 students throughout the United States.
