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NEW APPLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR JVSV'S CHALLENGE 2000

Applications for the next round of proposals from schools for participation
in Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network's Challenge 2000 program will be
available after June 15 from JVSV. We plan to accept the next round of
proposals in mid-January 1996. 

The application packets will be similar to those used last year, and
proposals will be scored solely on the selection rubric, with no diversity,
geographical quotas. We anticipate offering Fall workshops to answer
questions and provide guidance in preparing your proposals.

Renaissance teams must include a high school and at least one or more middle
and elementary schools committed to a systemic improvement process with an
initial core subject area focused on math, science, or literacy. The Joint
Venture 21st Century Education Initiative Board of Directors will choose
those teams that seem most likely to succeed based on their plan. 

Our success together relies on the commitment of local educators, business
people, parents, and community members to strive to help our students become
the most sought-after in the world. Each proposal is a valuable contribution
towards this vision.

To request a packet, e-mail Joint Venture (please include your name, the
school you represent, and your mailing address and a daytime phone number),
or call us at 408 - 271 - 7213.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Two affiliates of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, the 21st Century
Education Initiative and Smart Valley, Inc., began working on the vision for
Challenge 2000 one year ago. Our board members, who include parents,
educators, business and community leaders, have developed a venture capital
model for investing in teams of K-12 schools interested in systemic
improvement. 

With a mission to "spark a renaissance in education in Greater Silicon
Valley," Challenge 2000 held several open houses last Fall for those
interested to learn about the application process. 26 teams of schools put
forth an incredible effort to develop proposals reflecting a great deal of
quality thinking and new ideas.

The selection process was based entirely on the selection rubric. A team of
evaluators, modeling our concept of parents, educators, business and
community members working together, were trained in the use of the rubric,
and each proposal was scored by a minimum of five evaluators.

Four of those teams were selected as our first Renaissance teams, and
represent eight school districts, 37 schools, and 27,000 students, or 7% of
the Greater Silicon Valley student population. Challenge 2000 is committed to
working with the teams for a minimum of three years, and the Renaissance
Teams are committed to sharing their lessons learned and best practices with
other local school communities.

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