As Tufts University opens its new College of Citizenship and Public Service, schools across the nation are emphasizing the value of public service and community involvement by students and faculty, the New York Times reports.

What does $500 million buy in terms of American educational improvements? Not much, according to a review conducted by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation of Walter H. Annenberg's multimillion-dollar public schools challenge grant program. A reliance on outside help and a lack of specific "good-school" models are some of the problems mentioned in the Fordham report.

Education is America's favorite philanthropic cause, and the latest example is the success of the University of California at Los Angeles' capital campaign, which reached its ambitious multi-billion-dollar goal well ahead of schedule. The university will continue fundraising, adding another $400 million to its target.