ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TEST FEE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

The GATE Office coordinates the AP Fee Reimbursement Program. Coordinators at each high school collect the forms, the payments, order the tests, and send their school check along with the check that the GATE Office provides. The California Department of Education (CDE) reimburses the Gate Office the next Fall semester. The California Department of Education makes funds available to pay eligible students' AP test fees. The purpose of the AP test fee reimbursement program is to remove the financial barriers that prevent many low-income students in comprehensive high schools from taking the AP end of course test. These funds are made available through the state budget and the enabling legislation (SB 2216, Escutia, chapter 793 of the statutes of 1998).

Student Eligibility

Low-income students who are enrolled in an AP class and plan to take the end-of-course AP exam are eligible to participate in the AP Test Fee Payment Program. Upon teacher recommendation, a low-income student who has previously taken an AP class but not the exam, or who, in the teacher's estimation is academically ready to take an AP exam, may also be eligible to participate in the test fee payment program.

High schools are strongly encouraged to take affirmative steps to ensure access for students to AP classes and to promote parent and student awareness of their resources. In addition, recent legislation (SB 1689, Escutia, chapter 73 of the statutes of 2000) requires that all parents and guardians be notified by local education agencies of the availability of their funds for AP test fee payments. SB 1689 established the AP Challenge Grant Program under which a high school would design and implement a plan that would result in its pupils having access to at least four AP courses in core curriculum areas. "Excellence for All" has urged us to work together to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate and be successful in rigorous academic courses including the AP Program. The awareness and availability of funds to pay for AP test fees is an important part of this effort.

AP Test Fee Program:
Marjorie McConnell: mmcconne@cde.ca.gov

Advanced Placement Test Fee Reimbursement Program
Intersegmental Relations Office
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814-5901