BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama will serve as the launch site for a new $20 million national initiative – a “first-of-its-kind nationwide effort” – aimed at expanding partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and public charter schools.

City Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies announced Thursday they will each contribute $10 million to the effort, which seeks to create new charter schools affiliated with HBCUs and strengthen existing collaborations in several Southern states. UNCF will help support and coordinate the work.

New Schools for Alabama CEO Tyler Barnett said national interest in launching the initiative here reflects local demand for new school models.

“What a game-changer for our students and our state. This new fund will jumpstart awesome opportunities for

See Full Page