***MEDIA ALERT***
Washington, D.C.- On the heels of the first charter public school teacher named National Teacher of the Year, and a charter school ranking as the Top Public High School in America, the National Alliance is hosting a week-long series of events and announcements in recognition of National Charter Schools Week. These celebrations will honor the charter school change makers who are empowering students with high-quality education options. Advance information is available upon request for some of the below developments.
Monday, May 1: 2017 Broad Prize Finalists Announced.
The $250,000 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools is awarded annually to the charter management organization (CMO) that has the best academic outcomes, particularly for low-income students and students of color.This years three finalists will be chosen from among 39 of the country’s largest CMOs by a review board of national education experts, including former Education Secretary John King.
Tuesday, May 2: Briefing on Capitol Hill Brings Together Top Education Experts. 3:30 PM ET, 121 Cannon House Office Building.
“Charter Public Schools: Providing Educational, Economic, and Community Development in Urban America” will explore how charter schools can help support educational achievement and community-centered development in urban areas. Panelists include:
Jonathan Harwitz, Moderator, Managing Director of Federal Policy & Government Affairs at the Low Income Investment Fund,a community development financial institution that provides innovative capital solutions that support healthy families and communities.
Dianne Cleaver, Executive Director of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative, a nonprofit organization established to revitalize neighborhoods in in Kansas City.
Daniel Shoy, President of the East Lake Foundation, an organization that demonstrates that the right combination of mixed-income housing and infrastructure, educational opportunities from cradle to college, and community wellness activities can revitalize a suffering inner-city neighborhood into a safe and vibrant place to live.
Ron Beit, Founding Partnerand CEO of RBH Group, LLC and president of RBH Management, which created Teachers Village, a new mixed-use community in Newark, New Jersey.
Wednesday, May 3: Charter Champions Event Honors Federal, State, and Local Elected Officials.5:30PM ET, U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Meeting Room South.
Following the decade-long tradition, 19 leaders from all levels and branches of government will be recognized for their efforts to provide better educational options for the families they represent.
Thursday, May 4: Charter School Hall of Fame Inductees Announced.
The Charter School Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations for their innovation, long-term commitment, and pioneering efforts in the growth of charter schools. The three 2017 honorees will join 32 esteemed inductees since the Hall of Fames inception in 2007.
Friday, May 5: College Signing Day Celebrates Accomplishments of Graduating Students.
Charter schools across the country will join the Reach Higher initiative in celebrating the accomplishments of local students and their commitment to higher education. Look for #CharterSchoolsWeek #CollegeSigningDay and #ReachHigher on social media.
