With these programs, they could see what the results of a voucher system could be. Since its founding, CEO America has helped to establish private voucher programs all over the country and would like to assist all groups wishing to start programs if enough money can be raised. Current estimates indicate that leaders in two dozen cities are either interested in beginning a program or are in the initial stages of forming one. With sufficient funding, an additional 20 programs a year could be established. CEO America is seeking to raise additional donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund the growth.
Present policy is to offer challenge grants that are matched dollar for dollar.
To keep administrative costs to a minimum, the majority of CEO America programs have been managed by part-time employees and, in many cases, operating costs have been absorbed by a local business. While a stream of papers and conferences heats up the debate about choice, and while advocates and foes battle it out in state legislatures over ballot initiatives, private vouchers represent an education reform model that is bringing public awareness and positive firsthand results to the debate. Even more important, thousands of low-income parents are receiving financial assistance to pull their children out of public schools and place them in schools that can better meet their educational needs at significantly lower costs.