THE COLLEGE BOARD SEEKS INSPIRATION AWARD APPLICATIONS FROM AMERICA'S MOST IMPROVED HIGH SCHOOLS

Wednesday, November 30, 2004

Three Schools to Receive $25,000 Each

NEW YORK-The College Board seeks applications for its 2005 Inspiration Awards, which celebrate America's most improved high schools. Three winning schools will receive $25,000 each, and five honorable mention schools will receive $1,000 each.

Inspiration Award 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 public secondary schools 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(r) (AP(r)), IB, or other honors courses;

* Participation in PSAT/NMSQT(r), SAT(r), or ACT program
assessments that demonstrate preparation for attending college; and

* The percentage of students accepted to two- or four-year
institutions of higher education.

For additional information or to access an Inspiration Awards application, go to www.collegeboard.com/inspirationawards , call 212 713-8052, or e-mail InspirationAwards@collegeboard.org .

The deadline for application submissions has been extended until December 3, 2004; awards will be granted in April 2005.