| The Foundation has two major education efforts: The Systemic Initiative The Rapides Foundation's work has now moved to the school district level. The Foundation plans to invest up to $10,000,000 over the next five years into its Systemic Initiative in Education. Grants are awarded only for a single school year and then continue for up to five years if districts receive a favorable annual program and progress review. The focus of these grants is to provide resources for districts to nurture new instructional approaches for administrators and teachers that produce high student achievement, improved graduation rates and a more successful transition from one level of schooling to the next and then on to college and/or career placement. To learn more about the Systemic Initiative, see our Summer 2004 newsletter. The Systemic Initiative evolved from the Foundation's Education Initiative which has provided funding to more than 100 schools in Central Louisiana. These schools have participated in the five year Initiative, receiving up to $25,000 each year. For example, over $1.4 million was earmarked for the 2004-2005 school year. The funding was for projects addressing a wide range of activities, such as using technology to enhance reading and math skills and exploring the most effective way to implement a middle school program. For more information on this Initiative, see our Summer 2000, Summer 2001 and Fall 2003 newsletters. The Orchard Foundation The Rapides Foundation has earmarked $600,000 for the next three years for the Local Education Fund (LEF) now called The Orchard Foundation. Since October 2002 an advisory group made up of educators, community and business leaders have explored the development of a LEF in Central Louisiana. They have learned about similar efforts in other parts of the country, and the broad purposes that a Local Education Fund can play in Cenla, as well as considered initial strategies of chartering, organizing, and managing a similar organization in Cenla. The Orchard Foundation is now a separate entity. For more information, call 767-6560.
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