Idaho P-TECH Model Schools Accepting Proposals

Idaho is looking for proposals to “launch innovative early college high schools”:

Announcing the Idaho P-TECH Model Schools RFP

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation (JKAF) invites school operators and other nonprofit organizations to submit proposals to launch innovative early college high schools.  The initiative was inspired by the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) schools that have been opened in partnership with IBM in New York and Illinois.  Idaho’s P-TECH schools will be founded in collaboration with higher education institutions and industry partners with the goal of graduating students with the credentials and skills needed to launch meaningful careers. 

Who Can Apply?

JKAF welcomes proposals from any organization within or outside of Idaho that demonstrates the capacity to launch a P-TECH school.  Eligible applicants include but are not limited to:

·         Community colleges

• Public school districts
• Charter schools/Charter management organizations
• Other existing school operators 

Key RFP Dates

• Wednesday, February 27: Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an RFP information session at the JKAF offices at 10:00am.  Interested applicants should RSVP to ptech@jkaf.org by Friday, February 22. JKAF will support reasonable travel and lodging costs associated with attending the workshop.   

• Thursday, February 28 – Friday, March 1: Prospective charter applicants must attend a two-day Idaho Charter School Office Workshop. JKAF will support reasonable travel and lodging costs associated with attending the workshop.   

• Friday, March 8: Letters of Intent are due.

• Friday, April 5: Full proposals are due.

An Opportunity for Innovation

This is a pivotal moment for education reform in Idaho.  By 2018, 61% of jobs in Idaho will require post-secondary education.  Currently, only one third of Idahoans have an Associate’s degree or higher.  Across the state, educators, industry leaders and philanthropists have debated endlessly, trying to find a solution.  Is high school curriculum relevant to college and careers?  How can Idaho get its businesses engaged in education? College is often prohibitively expensive - how will we ever reach our goal of having 60% of Idahoans earn a post-secondary degree or certificate?  Idaho must offer alternative pathways.

JKAF sees the innovative P-TECH model as part of the solution to Idaho’s education crisis.  Early college high school curriculum will be collaboratively created with an industry partner and an institution of higher education, ensuring that all coursework aligns with industry standards.  This will guarantee that students graduate with the skills, knowledge and credentials – at no cost to them – required for success in a high-wage job.  This initiative will propel Idaho toward reaching its 60% goal while empowering students to launch successful careers.  We believe that this initiative will serve as a model for rural states across the nation.

To view the full RFP, please visit: [P-TECH Proposal Documents]. For questions, please contact ptech@jkaf.org.