Among BAEO’s national initiatives is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Small Schools Project, which will enable BAEO to create 15 new, small high schools in urban communities throughout the country.

BAEO has partnered with Eastern University to implement the Big Picture model at EUACS, providing funding, start-up and ongoing technical assistance and training in creating a high quality academic environment that is rigorously challenging and meets the needs of today’s students.

BAEO has granted a three-year $150,000 grant to Eastern University to offset the cost of the planning year and the school’s first two years of operation. In the planning phase, BAEO funds offset the capital expenses and cost of supplies, consultants, and public relations activities. In the operating years, the BAEO funding will be used to offset the cost of consultants, student recruitment, student transportation, professional memberships, computers, summer school, and travel and conference fees

The grant will allow EUACS to be a participating member of the network of BAEO/Big Picture small schools. Through this partnership EUACS will participate in ongoing site visits and weekly phone conferences with BAEO’s small schools staff, attend BAEO’s annual Symposium, and participate in BAEO’s Small Schools Summer Institute.