“Go On” Challenge Press Release

J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation Issues “Go On” Challenge to Idaho High Schools

Schools have a chance to earn $100,000 by increasing students’ probabilities to succeed in post-secondary education and training

April 23, 2010 (Boise, Idaho) — The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation today issued an unprecedented challenge to all Idaho high schools with the intent of encouraging schools to take critical steps that lead more students to college or advanced training beyond high school. Dubbed the “Go On” Challenge, the contest is designed to measurably increase the number of Idaho students who go on to post-secondary training or education. Schools that participate in the “Go On” Challenge will have the chance to earn $100,000 by fulfilling the requirements of the following categories:

• Increase the number of students taking the ACT, PLAN, PSAT and SAT
• Increase the number of students who register for advanced opportunities such as AP, Dual Credit and Tech Prep
• Increase the number of students who register for upper-level classes, especially in math and science

The above three areas were selected for their proven effectiveness in helping to prepare, motivate and challenge students to Go On, and in helping students who have already entered college be less apt to drop out or need remediation.

A winner will be awarded in each category. After the 2010-11 school year, participating schools that demonstrated the most significant improvement (measured by percentage) over the 2009-2010 school year, in a category, will be awarded $100,000 to spend as they wish. Schools will compete against schools with similar enrollment sizes. All schools will compete for the most-improved overall award.

“We realize this is a tough economic time for all Idaho schools, which is why our foundation decided to get creative in our funding,” said Jamie MacMillan, the Foundation’s executive director. “And, we feel strongly that our high schools have to find innovative ways that continue to provide the best opportunities and resources for our students to help them to GO ON to a better life. It’s up to all of us – schools, parents, businesses, communities, and the state, to be part of the solution by being resourceful and innovative. ”

If schools are not able to compete in the “Go On” Challenge, there is still a way to win. For example, some schools may not currently offer AP, Dual Credit or Tech Prep opportunities or have other constraints that limit eligibility. By just signing up to be a “Go On” School, a high school can compete to win a grand prize of $15,000, a second prize of $10,000 or $5,000 for honorable mention based on a different set of criteria.

The Foundation enlisted Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong to deliver the “Go On” Challenge to schools around the state; school principals will receive a taped invitation to join in this unique effort. This invitation is being delivered this week, along with detailed instructions on how to participate in the challenge. The taped invitation is available for viewing on the official “Go On” website (go-on-idaho.org). The Foundation encourages parents, students and anyone with a stake in post-secondary education to view the invitation and read more about the challenge.

“There are so many opportunities waiting for students after they graduate from high school,” said Armstrong. “The question is: Are they ready to seize those opportunities? The big, important things in life rarely happen by accident — they require planning, dedication and the willingness to reach the next level.”

In addition, the Foundation is partnering with the Idaho Statesman to issue monthly “Go On” challenges for cash prizes starting on May 2, 2010. It is open to anyone throughout the state. To enter, log on to idahostatesman.com and upload your essay, photo or video. The contest topics will change every month and participants will have two ways to win — by popular vote or through a Statesman panel of judges.

Community partners, including the Boys and Girls Club, Treasure Valley YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters are committed to helping create greater awareness of the “Go On” Challenge. For more information, visit go-on-idaho.org.

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The “Go On” Challenge is an initiative by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation to boost enrollment in post-secondary education and training opportunities in the state. With this new initiative, the Foundation and our partners seek to bring the issue to the forefront, inspiring students, parents, educators and all Idaho citizens to continue their education