Doctor’s generosity helps fund AP exams for local high school students

Three years ago, Dr. Chirantan Ghosh, a local oncologist, partnered with the Cedar Rapids school district's high schools for an experiment.

Would the right incentive inspire students to push themselves academically?

Ghosh used his own money to establish the Anna Purna Ghosh Advanced Placement Incentive Program. Named after his mother, the program encourages more high school students to take advanced placement (AP) classes and exams by reimbursing part of the test fees.

“I believe in three things: opportunity for a good education; encouragement for a good education; and reward for the hard work,” Ghosh said.

Students have to complete two or more AP exams, and earn at least one score of 3 or higher, on a scale of 1 to 5, to receive a check.

The year's reimbursement, based on AP exams taken in May 2010, is $50 for 4 and 5 scores and $40 for a 3 score.

“The incentive is helpful because it helps take the sting out of the exam fees,” said Mary Wilcynski, Kennedy High School's principal.

The cost to take an AP exam is $87.

AP courses present college-level material to high school students. Students enrolled in these classes can register for optional end-of-course AP exams. The test results can translate into college credit, depending on the score.

Ghosh said his home country of India was transformed because of education. He wants to see that transformation in America.

To date, 1,354 Jefferson, Kennedy and Washington high school students have received reimbursement checks. Ghosh has paid more than $115,000 of his own money to fund the program.

There is no limit on the number of reimbursable exams per student.

“If you have the right incentive, then the kids will do better,” Ghosh said. “The right incentive should create the opportunity. Work hard and you will be rewarded.”

In the three years of the Anna Purna Ghosh Advanced Placement Incentive Program, each high school has seen increases in the number of students taking AP classes and AP exams. 1n 2010, 1,055 of the district's high school students took 2,107 AP exams, compared to 864 students taking 1,661 exams in 2008.

“There are dozens of reasons to take an AP course,” Wilcynski said. “I think the biggest thing AP does is give students learning confidence.”

District educators have story after story of students who questioned their ability to take an AP exam, only to excel in the class and, later, college.

“(Advanced placement) is not just for the best and the brightest,” said Ralph Plagman, Washington High School's principal. “It is for all college-bound kids.”

Both Kennedy and Washington high schools offer 25 AP courses. Jefferson offers 17.

Kennedy will add AP art history to its lineup for the 2011-12 school year.

Superintendent Dave Benson is working with the district's high school principals about a new education goal – AP for All. The program will encourage all Cedar Rapids students to take at least one AP class and one AP exam during their high school career.

“We feel there are many capable students who don't have the vision of an AP education,” Benson said. “Right now it's something we're talking about, but I'm excited by the reaction of the high school principals.”