This publication describes Venture Capital grants, which are awarded to Ohio schools for school-improvement efforts. Originating in the business sector, the concept of Venture Capital represented corporate earning or individual savings invested in a new or fresh enterprise. The grants are designed to be long-term, evolving efforts focused on a particular dimension of change. The report identifies school-improvement efforts that have the greatest potential for enhancing the ability of educators to improve student learning. Over the course of the 5-year commitment, educators are expected to attempt innovations in teaching and learning, assessment, governance, organization, and professional development. The report also describes the foci of school improvement, resources for professional development offered by various school-improvement models, and the grant-competition process. An overview of school-improvement models and New American School Development Corporation (NASDC) models is presented. Each model is described according to its goals, visions, curriculum and instruction, assessment, professional development, links to higher education, roles and responsibilities, structure, and parent/business/community involvement. Answers to commonly asked questions about Venture Capital grants are included. Appendices contain information on building a school profile and a school self-appraisal instrument. (LMI)