The N.C. Governor's School, an enrichment program for gifted high school students, could open at two campuses this summer if alumni receive grants they're seeking.
The State Board of Education is expected to vote today to approve a fluid plan for this summer's program, with details to depend on how much money fundraisers finally bring in. Fundraising leaders said they expect to know by this afternoon whether they'll have an additional $200,000 to devote to the cause.
The board vote would cap an extensive, months-long effort by Governor's School alumni to keep the program afloat after the legislature deleted it from this year's budget. Alumni said they wanted to keep the program alive for at least one more summer while they try to persuade legislators to restore money for it.
"There's no funding for another year," said Scott Gayle, fundraising chairman for the N.C. Governor's School Foundation.
The N.C. Governor's School, founded in 1963, is the first of its kind in the country and a model for enrichment programs in more than 20 other states.
The foundation led the fundraising effort and wanted to come as close as it could to replicating the traditional program: six-week sessions at two campuses, Salem College and Meredith College, enrolling 800 students. Until recently, students attended at no charge. A $500 fee was added a few years ago as the legislature cut funding. Legislators this year cut all of its money - $849,000.
The campaign to save the Governor's School has raised $513,000, enough for a five-week program at one campus serving about 400 students. If the promise of more money comes this afternoon, the plan for this summer could expand to include another campus and more students. But it won't be enough for 800 students.
Roice Fulton, vice president of the Governor's School Foundation, said the school has an advocate talking to House members and senators about restoring its budget.
Boosters hope all alumni will urge legislators to reinstate funding. "Every single one of our 31,000 alumni is aware of how important the Governor's School is as a centerpiece of North Carolina's education strategy," Fulton said.
