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Applications Now Being Accepted for Two Prestigious Awards: The 2008 Inspiration Awards and the Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing

08/16/07

NEW YORK—The College Board seeks applications for its 2008 Inspiration Awards and Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing. The Inspiration Awards celebrate America’s most improved high schools, awarding the three winning schools $25,000 each. The Bob Costas Grants recognize six exceptional teachers of grades 6 through 12 for the innovative methods they use to develop their students’ writing skills. Grants of $3,000 will be awarded to each winner. Application deadlines for both programs are November 16, 2007.

About the Inspiration Awards
Inspiration Award-winning schools improve the academic environment and help students achieve the promise of a higher education. Winning schools initiate unique programs and create partnerships among teachers, parents, community organizations and local businesses to help more students attend college.

The Inspiration Awards are open to all secondary schools (public and nonpublic) in which 40 percent or more of the students receive free or reduced-price lunches. Schools should be able to demonstrate significant and consistent growth across the entire student population in:

• Participation in rigorous curricula, such as the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) or International Baccalaureate (IB);
• Participation in college-preparatory course work; and
• The percentage of students accepted to two- or four-year institutions of higher education.

For additional information or to download an Inspiration Awards application, go to www.collegeboard.com/inspirationawards, call 212 713-8052, or e-mail InspirationAwards@collegeboard.org. Applicants will be notified of their status by late March 2008.

About the Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing
The Bob Costas Grants support exceptional teachers who, through their innovative teaching methods, motivate their students to write. Winning teachers are awarded grants to enhance successful projects currently under way. Projects can be carried out in school (public or nonpublic), through an after-school writing workshop, or during a summer program. Teachers from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, as the grants are designed to support not only literature and language arts teachers but also teachers who include writing instruction in the teaching of the sciences, math, history and the arts.

The award was named for Bob Costas, the Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and author, for his dedication to the craft of writing and his generous public service work on behalf of the National Commission on Writing.

For additional information or to download a Bob Costas Grants application, go to www.collegeboard.com/costasgrants or call (212) 713-8052. Grant winners will be announced January 2008.

The College Board: Connecting Students to College Success
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs office at (212) 713-8052.