We at Manhattan GMAT are happy to announce the launch of our first annual MGMAT Grant Program, designed to support organizations that prioritize the same standards and spirit as Manhattan GMAT.  Manhattan GMAT staff and instructors from around the country submitted applications to recommend worthy non-profit organizations to receive the grants. Winners were selected based on how closely the goals, standards, and values of the organizations match those of Manhattan GMAT.  We are pleased to award our 3 Instructor Grants for 2010 to the following non-profits:

2010 Instructor Silver Grant ($1,000):
Phoenix Collegiate Academy

2010 Instructor Gold Grant ($1,500):
North Oakland Community Charter School

2010 Instructor Platinum Grant ($2,500):
International Association For Human Values (Youth Empowerment Seminar)

We are excited to be supporting these impressive organizations and look forward to seeing all the great work they do this year!

We will also be awarding the first Manhattan GMAT Staff Grants “ totaling $10,000 “ to worthy organizations this year.  Stay tuned for an announcement of the recipients!

Here at Manhattan GMAT we are incredibly proud of the exploits of our founder and chairman, Zeke Vanderhoek.  Zeke departed MGMAT in order to found TEP, a charter school in Washington Heights dedicated to attracting better teachers to the profession. TEP is paying its teachers $125,000 per year plus bonuses to teach underprivileged children.  The school has generated a lot of attention as a result of its innovative approach; the New York Times has been covering TEP every step of the way (here and here).

Imagine a world where teachers are paid handsomely (without increasing overall costs, TEP pays higher salaries by removing administrators and asking more of its teachers).  More talented young people would choose and stay in teaching as a profession.  Better teachers would produce better outcomes.  In a generation or so, we’d be in a lot better shape!

Now, TEP is only a month away from opening its doors to 120 fifth graders.  TEP will be making use of a temporary facility for the first several years, but will need a permanent home by the time it expands to its full-size of four grades.

To help TEP in its drive for a permanent facility, Manhattan GMAT is proud to donate 10% of the Company’s revenues in the month of August to TEP.  The donation will be made early next year.  We’re tremendously excited to support Zeke’s vision, as we know from experience that if you pay teachers more and expect more out of them, they’ll deliver results!  🙂

Here’s to TEP, higher pay for teachers, and improving the American educational system by making teaching the attractive profession it should be for the best and brightest!