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PRESS RELEASE

April 6, 2004

Frances Marine or
MacKay Jimeson
(850) 245-0413

Education Commissioner Horne Community Colleges Chancellor Armstrong Announce Seven Community Colleges Receive 2004 College Board Expanded Opportunity Grants

TALLAHASSEE - Education Commissioner Jim Horne and Community Colleges Chancellor David Armstrong today announced seven of Florida's community colleges received the 2004 College Board Expanded Opportunity Grant. The grants will be used to target middle and high school students who are typically underrepresented in postsecondary education.

"Under the leadership of Governor Bush, the Florida Department of Education and the College Board have developed a unique partnership to help students improve their academic performance and prepare for the benefits of a college education," said Commissioner Horne. "These grants will allow our community colleges to help more students reach their academic potential."

Grants of up to $100,000 each were awarded to the following community colleges: Indian River Community College, Miami Dade College, North Florida Community College, Palm Beach Community College, Pasco-Hernando Community College, South Florida Community College, and Tallahassee Community College.

"Our community colleges, ranked among the best in the nation, are often the first point of entry into higher education for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary programs," said Chancellor Armstrong. "We are pleased to work with the College Board to broaden these opportunities for Florida's students."

The College Board partners with Florida's highly-regarded community colleges in an effort to connect students to college success. These grants will support innovative programs developed by the colleges and schools that will improve access and success - especially among under-represented groups of students.

Using successful models already in place at the state and national levels, the partnership works with teachers, schools, districts, and colleges throughout Florida to improve curriculum and teaching methods. Children in Florida benefit from the Florida Partnership and its commitment to educational excellence and equity for all.

Programs will include mentoring, tutoring, college campus visits, and parent nights to educate parents and students about the steps needed to enter postsecondary education without the need for remediation, for example appropriate prerequisites and Algebra I in the 8th grade.

Each program must be designed around goals focusing on one or more of the following:

  • FCAT Preparation
  • College Readiness and Access (With the goal of reduced remediation need on college campuses)
    • Tutoring and focused skill work based on diagnostic feedback from the PSAT/NMSQT
    • SAT preparation
  • Personal College Success Strategies
    • Organization Skills
    • Study Skills

    For more information on the College Board Florida Partnership visit www.oneflorida.org.