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Bill Gates gives $12 million for specialized schools in Ohio

Published January 31, 2008 in Education News, News & Media

The Plain Dealer

1/31/2008

Scott Stephens

Plain Dealer Reporter

You don’t need an advanced degree in vector calculus to grasp this equation: Bill Gates = $12 million.

That’s the amount of the check the Microsoft Corp. chairman, through his charitable foundation, handed to Ohio on Wednesday to help launch a network of rigorous, specialized Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) high schools.

The idea: jump-start math and science instruction across the state.

“I would liken these schools to teaching hospitals,” said Rich Rosen, vice president of education and philanthropy for Battelle, a Columbus-based nonprofit research and development organization.

The network initially will consist of STEM schools in five different regions of the state, with Cleveland among the expected locations.

Battelle will manage the project. Sites for the schools are expected to be chosen within six weeks. The schools are scheduled to be up and running by 2009, although some could open in the fall.

Last month, the Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation pledged $1.65 million to the Cleveland school district to help support two new specialty high schools, including a STEM school. The Gates money is expected to help get that school up and running.