Michigan North Farmington High School, Farmington Hills 
An Interdisciplinary Study Committee teaches students  to interpret and to ponder real-world issues, such as the Vietnam War, human rights, and the evolution of Detroit. Experts and community members add to the learning process by connecting the school to the greater community.

Minnesota St. Paul Central High School, Saint Paul
Young African American men form the core of Seeds of Change, a multifaceted program to address the achievement gap. Local African American role models and leaders teach students how to set goals, to use creative writing for self-expression, and to tap into a support system that helps improve their lives.

Mississippi Columbia High School, Columbia 
A reward program has reduced truancy and motivated students to perform  to their best abilities. The school bought season tickets to nearby New Orleans Saints football games. Students who demonstrate desired behaviors "earn"  the privilege of attending a game.

Missouri "North Callaway High School", Kingdom City 
A Digital Outreach Program enables students to rebuild and refurbish donated computers and give them to schoolmates, community members, and Ugandan orphanages. The program teaches practical problem-solving and fosters community involvement and social responsibility

Montana Broadwater High School, Townsend 
Kids and staff use the school district's radio station to broadcast music, lunch menus, news about community events, coursework, and their own creative writing. To prepare, students take a semester class to learn the art and business of broadcasting.

Nebraska Papillion-La Vista South Public High School, Papillion 
The Titan Pyramid provides a structure to help students succeed through extensive homework tracking and tutoring. The school quickly identifies students needing support and intervenes to provide formal study time.  

Nevada Ed W. Clark High School, Las Vegas
A team of teachers offers average students the Clark Challenge: an opportunity to take honors classes. Rigorous coursework, combined with support as needed, enabled 100 percent of the first Challenge class to graduate. Of those, 90 percent (most first-generation college students), went on to college.

New Hampshire Merrimack Valley High School, Penacook 
A Freshman Academy has helped ninth-graders successfully switch to high school. Academic support for struggling students abounds. The school provides after-school programs and study-skills courses.

New Jersey SCESC Academic Alternative High School, Raritan 
The "Green Team" gets students involved in projects that develop awareness of environmental responsibility, societal obligation, and personal accountability. Among the activities kids engage in to benefit the school and the community are maintenance projects, gardening, and fundraising for the needy.  

New Mexico West Mesa High School, Albuquerque 
The "We Can Do Better" Ninth Grade Academy gives students and their parents high levels of support. Almost 1000 freshmen joined the Academy, a community within the school that monitors all aspects of kids' education. Students receive personal support they would not otherwise get.

New York Middle Early College High School, Buffalo 
This school is composed of at-risk students who seem to have untapped potential. After completing the five-year high school program, each student will have earned a diplomas and an Associate Degree from Erie Community College.

North Carolina Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville 
To help ninth graders experience academic success and successfully move to high school, the school organized a Freshman Academy. By building a support network of teachers and upperclass students for the Academy, the school helps freshmen develop a sense of community and public service.

North Dakota Kulm High School, Kulm 
Starting with distributing handheld computers to students and teachers, the school has changed the way it does "business." Technology has encouraged higher levels of engagement: Reading and math proficiency has increased from 45 to 89 percent in reading and have reached 83 percent in math.