Vancouver-based Mentoring Advanced Placement non-profit has received a $13.2 million grant from the Exxon Mobile Foundation to participate in the National Math and Science Initiative.
MAP, led by nLight Photonics CEO Scott Keeney, applied for the grant last spring for the state of Washington, with support from partners at Educational Service District 112, the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It will work with school districts to replicate a model developed in Texas to expand AP classes and participation in science, math and English.
Volunteers from local businesses work with AP teachers and groups of students to supplement with AP curriculum by connecting it to real-life applications. That model currently operates in Clark County with 10 schools.
Marcia Fromhold will lead the start-up of the project, assisted by Brandi Stewart-Wood of the SWWDC and Dan Milewski of nLight. Natalie Pacholl on the MAP staff continues her work getting the new academic year going in Clark County.
Washington's proposal was selected among seven states to receive the first grants given by NMSI. The grants will each provide up to $13.2 million during the next six years to state non-profit entities to help fund training and incentive programs for AP and Pre-AP courses.
