Cities work to improve education
With the help of the NLC, elected officials in 14 cities will take a closer look at the educational opportunities in their communities over the next two and a half years. NLC has begun two projects designed to help mayors, council members and other elected officials collaborate on ideas that will improve K-12 education and after-school programs in selected cities.
Charleston, S.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Lansing, Mich.; New Haven, Conn.; and Portland, Ore., will be participating in the Municipal Leadership in Education project. Leadership teams from the cities will work with staff from the NLC Institute for Youth, Education and Families and school leaders to develop action plans and implement strategies for improving academic achievement in their elementary and secondary schools. A grant from the New York-based Carnegie Corp. will fund the project.
Charlotte, N.C.; Fort Worth, Texas; Fresno, Calif.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Indianapolis; Lincoln, Neb.; Spokane, Wash.; and Washington, D.C., will be participating in the Municipal Leadership for Expanded Learning Opportunities project. Staff from the NLC Institute will work with city leaders to create high-quality citywide after-school programs. A grant from the Flint, Mich.-based Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will fund the project.
Participants of both projects will meet annually to discuss best practices, financing strategies and other issues. When the projects are completed, NLC will publish a report of the cities’ findings. For more information, visit NLC’s Web site at www.nlc.org.