Reading Comprehension$/$Data Analysis and Interpretation

Use the passage below to answer questions $54$ and $55.$

Energy Initiative

The Energy Initiative was created to address the strain that human energy consumption has on the environment. These strains include air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, increased ozone gases, and species depletion. The program was designed to provide a way for schools to educate children about environmental responsibility. The average cost per school to participate in the Energy Initiative is $$4,682$ annually. There are currently $4,876$ districts across the country with schools participating in the energy initiative. There are $1,234$ additional school districts interested in joining the initiative and it is anticipated that the program will experience a $28\%$ increase in school participation rates over the next year. The Energy Initiative has proven to be a cost$-$effective and efficient way of educating today$$s youth and getting them involved in taking care of the environment.

Getting children involved in caring for the environment instills in them a sense of responsibility for the future of our world. Studies have documented the powerful impact of educating our youth about the environment. Since the introduction of the Energy Initiative, students in over $8,500$ districts have begun monthly litter clean$-$up programs. Additionally, $98\%$ of the school districts involved in the initiative donate the money earned from recycling to organizations dedicated to finding environmentally friendly energy sources. One study in New England found that school districts participating in the initiative had a $23\%$ reduction in disciplinary problems among their students and a general increase in morale. The Energy Initiative is also a gateway for getting youth involved in other environmental organizations, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency offers special day camps focused on the environment for youth in the Energy Initiative. The government also offers scholarships to high school students who have had outstanding environmental service through the Energy Initiative.

$54.$ According to the passage, in what way does the Energy Initiative benefit schools?

a$.$ It gives children a productive after school activity so they stay out of trouble and learn new things.

b$.$ It allows the schools to earn money through clean$-$up and recycling programs started by students.

c$.$ It helps educate students about the scholarship opportunities available through environmental agencies.

d$.$ It decreases the amount of student discipline problems in schools and increases morale.

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$55.$ According to the passage, if the current number of districts participating in the Energy Initiative increased by $28\%$ in the next year and each district had $2$ schools participating, how much money would be paid to the Energy Initiative in one year?

a$.$ $$12,784,481\mathrm{.}92$

b$.$ $$29,221,672\mathrm{.}96$

c$.$ $$58,443,345\mathrm{.}92$

d$.$ $$73,233,971\mathrm{.}20$

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