March 30, 2010
GEO receives $1 million grant for Fountain Square and Fall Creek Academies' school programs

GEO Foundation is the recipient of a $1 million grant -- $250,000 a year for the next four years -- to help pay for school tutoring, Saturday school and partnerships with Civic Theater, Junior Achievement, Girls, Inc., 100 Black Men, Marian University, College Summit and the YMCA. 87 applicants applied for the grant, 47 were funded and GEO's charter schools were two of only three in the state to receive funding.

"These funds are critical to these two schools," said Kevin Teasley, president of the GEO Foundation. "Both schools provide an extended day and extended year, as well as Saturday school services. We provide 24 percent more education at our schools than traditional public schools."

Both charter schools go to great lengths to make sure all students have access to the schools by providing transportation, including Saturdays, and providing them a breakfast and lunch. The schools also use their K-12 dollars to pay for college tuition, textbooks, and other college support services.

"Last year, 94 percent of our high school graduates went to a 2-4 year college and the remaining student went into the National Guard," said Teasley. "This year, 100 percent of our graduates have been accepted to college--many have been accepted to numerous colleges and universities. Most of our high school graduates have already earned 16 college credits, too."