Early College Advanced Placement Incentive Program

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The Abilene Education Foundation is currently participating with the Dodge Jones Foundation and AISD in funding the Early College Advanced Placement Incentive Program - a ten year multi-million dollar program begun in 2002 and underwritten by the Dodge Jones Foundation that is designed to enhance the District's Advanced Placement (AP) high school program.

The goal of the Early College Advanced Placement Incentive Program is to increase the number of Abilene High and Cooper High students who take and pass AP exams by 15% each year. Studies show that the students who participate in AP classes have a significantly higher rate of graduation from college. The program is an incentive based plan that offers enhanced teacher training and curriculum support. In addition, the program also involves the introduction of middle school honors and Pre-AP classes in science, language arts, math, and social studies.

Currently, 27 AP and Pre-AP classes are offered, impacting over 3,000 students and 120 teachers each year. Other program components include a free four-week summer PSAT/SAT institute that is open to all students. This preparatory course is designed to increase the performance level on this important college entrance exam and generate more National Merit Semi-finalists and Commended students.

During the course of the first six years, the AEF has contributed over $200,000  in support. This funding has been made possible through the generosity of the Community Foundation of Abilene, the Shelton Family Foundation, The West Central Texas Workforce Development Board, and the Dian Graves Owen Foundation.