These partnerships enhance local education efforts through contextual learning, career exploration, work, project and community learning, mentoring, courses integrating academic and technical or work-based learning, and internships for teachers. The partnerships encompass more than 35,000 schools, and nearly 18 million students attend those schools. Almost 200,000 employers are involved, and those offering internships for teachers more than tripled from 1996 to 1997. Furthermore, the Pathways to College Network launched by Secretary Riley in collaboration with foundation leaders catalyzes efforts to build school-college partnerships to increase college access. The Administration has made additional efforts to help low-income students prepare for college.
Schools use the funds to pay test fees for low-income students.
Schools may also use funds for tutoring, classroom materials, and other innovative methods to boost the number and quality of AP classes and participation by low-income students. Since 1998, over 92,000 low-income students have benefited from the program, and this year, over 80,000 more students will benefit from funds to offset the cost of AP exams. Federal support has also encouraged many schools that had not participated in the AP program to begin offering AP courses. U.S. Department of Education, supp. U.S. Department of Education, tbl.