Objective: To provide opportunities and help narrow the gap between income and ethnic groups in education.

Commitment: Pledging $1 million over the next four years to finance the UFT Charter School, the first union-run charter school in the U.S.

Background: The United Federation of Teachers joined with students, parents, teachers and community leaders to create the first union-operated public charter school. Tuition at the UFT Charter School is free and boasts a well rounded curriculum with 2 teachers per class as students from diverse ethnic backgrounds enroll. The Broad foundation identified UFT Charter School as an opportunity to further endorse its commitment to transform public education and improve K-12 urban facilities by equipping schools with modern tools. Eventually the school’s model is expected to be replicated around the country demonstrating an educational standard of excellence can be achieved for all citizens, despite financial and ethnic backgrounds. This general support grant will go into the school’s operating budget to cover start-up costs.

Partnership Opportunity: The total needed to close the 10 percent gap between charter school and public school funding is $3.4 million. Following Mr. Broad’s generous donation, the UFT is working to raise the additional $2.4 million needed for the regular school day programs.

Update:
September 2006:
The UFT Charter School will open with 125 students in 6th grade in September 2006.