The US Department of Education announced on Aug. 1 a total of $21.6 million in new grants to states for offsetting some of the costs to low-income students for Advanced Placement tests. The grants include $1,721,335 for Illinois and $558,611 for Maryland.
The department determined the amount given to each state based on estimates of the number of low-income students who would be taking AP tests during the 2012-13 school year.
“Advanced Placement participation is an important element in creating a college-going culture in our high schools,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “AP courses help students develop the study skills, critical reasoning and habits of mind that prepare them for the transition to college. They give students—particularly first-generation college-goers—the confidence that they can successfully handle college-level work. These funds will help eliminate financial roadblocks for more low-income students and allow them to fully benefit from the AP program,” Mr Duncan said.
AP tests, as well as tests for students enrolled in International Baccalaureate programs, may give students college credit, if their scores are high enough, thereby making college potentially more affordable by shortening the amount of time needed to get a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.