Benchmark Communities Initiative

In 1994, JFF launched the Benchmark Communities Initiative, a five-year, systemic education reform initiative. In collaboration with JFF, five communities—Boston, Massachusetts; Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; North Clackamas, Oregon; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—set out to develop and demonstrate effective approaches to improving young people’s transitions into postsecondary education and careers.

• Engage all students in intellectually challenging and relevant studies;
• Provide those students with productive workplace and community learning opportunities;
• Personalize learning by creating small communities of teachers and learners, bound by a unique identity, a curricular focus, and a common purpose; and
• Establish structured connections to higher education and economic opportunities.