Aspen Institute and College Board name RPS one of only 24 districts nationwide in inaugural leadership cohort.
Rochester, MN – The Aspen Institute's Education & Society Program (ESP) and the College Board today announced that Rochester Public Schools is one of 24 districts selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Social Mobility Leadership Network (SMLN), a multiyear initiative designed to help one million students gain access to high-quality advanced coursework in high school, including Advanced Placement® (AP®), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment.
The districts span urban, suburban, rural, and county systems in 16 states. The selection process was highly competitive, with applicants evaluated on leadership commitment, data infrastructure, and readiness to implement high-quality advanced coursework at scale. Superintendents and senior district leaders from these systems will officially launch the cohort at a convening in September 2026, beginning a three-year learning arc that runs through 2029.
“We know that our students have the capability and drive to succeed at the highest academic levels when we provide the right support and expectations,” said RPS Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. “Being selected for this national cohort allows Rochester Public Schools to strengthen our instructional systems and use data intentionally so that more students, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in AP, IB, and dual enrollment, see themselves in advanced classrooms and thrive there.”
Education has long been one of the country's most reliable drivers of upward mobility, but that promise has weakened: Only about half of children today grow up to out-earn their parents, a steep drop from previous generations. Expanding access to high-quality AP, IB, and dual-enrollment coursework is one of the most direct ways to reverse that trend, as students who take these courses are more likely to graduate from high school, complete college, and pursue higher-paying careers. College Board research shows that even a single AP course can meaningfully improve college outcomes and long-term earnings. But in many districts, advanced coursework remains available to only a narrow slice of students. SMLN is designed to expand this critical access.
The following districts make up the first SMLN cohort:
Alief Independent School District, Texas
Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia
Chicago Public Schools, Illinois
Clark County School District, Nevada
Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Ohio
Compton Unified School District, California
Denver Public Schools, Colorado
Detroit Public Schools Community District, Michigan
Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia
Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida
Jackson Public School District, Mississippi
Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado
Long Beach Unified School District, California
Manhattan High Schools District, New York
Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida
Milwaukee Public Schools, Wisconsin
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia
Richmond Public Schools, Virginia
Rochester Public Schools, Minnesota
School Administrative Unit (SAU) 20, New Hampshire
The Innovation Project NC, North Carolina
Yonkers Public Schools, New York
"These districts are raising their hands to do something bold," said Dr. Janice K. Jackson, executive director of the Education & Society Program at the Aspen Institute. "They've demonstrated readiness to challenge old assumptions about who belongs in advanced coursework and build systems to find and support students who have been overlooked. We're proud to work alongside these districts as they open doors for students across their communities.”
“A century ago, this country decided a high school education should be universal, and we built the system to deliver it. That decision helped power the century that followed,” said David Coleman, CEO of College Board. "We are at a similar inflection point now, and access to high-quality advanced coursework is one of the strongest levers left for rebuilding social mobility. Our schools are where the opportunity is built, and the leaders from these districts are ready to pick up the tools and invite every student with the talent to seize it.”
Over the next three years, districts in the network will build on their progress by deepening efforts across four core areas: using data to expand the identification of high-potential students; refining policies and systems to broaden access; strengthening instructional readiness for educators and students; and reinforcing the shared belief that all students can succeed in advanced academic learning.
By 2029, participating districts aim to significantly increase the proportion of low-income and “missing middle” students who take at least one high-quality AP, IB, or dual-enrollment course, with progress defined by each district's baseline data and three-year growth targets, and validated through shared network metrics.
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About Rochester Public Schools:
Located in Rochester, Minnesota, our district is driven by a singular mission: to equip every student with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. We bring this purpose to life by building belonging and connection, ensuring excellence through evidence, supporting the whole student, and providing exceptional opportunities to succeed. By digging deeper for real-world application, we are investing in our community's future. Serving approximately 17,000 students across 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, and a robust network of alternative and district-wide programs, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student thrives in school and in life. Learn more at www.rochesterschools.org.
About the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program
The Education & Society Program is a pillar of the Aspen Institute Center for Rising Generations and is dedicated to improving public education in the United States. Our vision is that public education affords every student the opportunities and experiences they need to actively participate in civic life, thrive in the world of work, and develop a healthy sense of self, which contributes to social justice and shared economic prosperity. Contact: Maura.Daley@aspeninstitute.org
About the Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
About College Board
College Board reaches more than 7 million students a year, helping them navigate the path from high school to college and career. Our not-for-profit membership organization was founded more than 120 years ago. We pioneered programs like the SAT® and AP® to expand opportunities for students and help them develop the skills they need. Our BigFuture® program helps students plan for college, pay for college, and explore careers. Learn more at cb.org. Contact: communications@collegeboard.org