At long last, the Department of Education has released the Race to the Top information. Truly, one of the most interesting competitive grant programs we’ve seen in awhile. Race to the Top — a federally subsidized school grant competition for all states — is providing a $4.35 billion incentive for state education departments to make the kinds of education reform that President Obama says will help students out-compete workers around the world.

I am sure that there will be a lot of commentary about Race to the Top. I have already read several opinions against it. I think it’s high time we break the mold and try something new. Maybe those trials are bite size or maybe they should be of epic proportions. To my way of thinking though, it’s always about posing the right questions with the people who can make a difference.

For the past several months, Converge and the Center for Digital Education have been hosting stimulus events across the country, offering an opportunity to explore detailed and current information about big ideas for schools and colleges to tap into available funds throughout the bill, not just Department of Education monies.

At our Economic Stimulus Ready-to-Go event on Aug. 11, we’ll focus on innovative thinking and finding new ideas that will help schools avoid a funding cliff when there is no more grant money. The event will help school leaders make investments that will have a quick turnaround for their schools. Attendees will be able to talk to a grant expert who has logged millions of dollars in rewards. Join us on August 11 if you are in the neighborhood.

The Race to the Top is starting now — finish the race with programs that are going to sustain your district for years to come!

For more information about the Economic Stimulus Ready-to-Go event, visit our Events page.