College readiness program expands
A college readiness program used by schools in Western Pennsylvania received a major boost Thursday.
The National Math and Science Initiative announced the expansion of its college readiness program as a result of a $26 million investment from ExxonMobil, made on behalf of XTO Energy Inc.
NMSI’s program increases the number of students taking and earning qualifying scores on Advanced Placement exams, according to a NMSI press release.
The three-year program helps schools improve participation and success in AP courses to better prepare students for college and science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.
Peters Township High School participates in the program. Chartiers-Houston, McGuffey, Ringgold and Trinity Area high schools joined this school year.
NMSI will partner with about 40 schools across the region in the next several years, with 60,000 students expected to benefit from the expansion.
“Access to a high-quality education can be critical to a student’s academic growth and their future success,” said state Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera.
Rivera participated in the program expansion announcement Thursday at West Allegheny High School.
According to NMSI, after one year of participation in the program, seven schools saw a combined 51 percent increase in qualifying math, science and English AP scores, more than 10 times the state average.