The Partnership Program, a non-profit organization sponsored by Five Colleges Inc., reported its acceptance of a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Improving Teacher Quality State Grant Program, according to the Five Colleges Inc. website. The funds will be used to sponsor a year-long collaboration between the Partenrship Program and Holyoke and Springfield public school teachers in the fields of world history and geography. The Initiative is aimed both at enhancing the teaching skills of teachers, as well as boosting middle school students' academic proficiency. According to the Five Colleges Inc. website, the Partnership Program intends to train 36 teachers, who will then implement and use their training and knowldege in classes for sixth- and seventh-grade students. Five College professors will coach the teachers in a training program this summer.

According to the Five Colleges Inc. Website, the project is based upon the premise that competent, knowledgeable teachers are imperative to providing adequate education.