Project L.I.F.T., the $55 million school reform plan that rallied local corporations behind struggling schools, is about to get honored at the White House.

Leaders of the project, which has drawn heavy financial support from some of the city's biggest corporations and philanthropists, say they've been invited to the White House on Monday for a roundtable discussion on education.

Richard "Stick" Williams, president of the Duke Energy Foundation and co-chair of the project, said the initiative will be highlighted as an example of how businesses can get involved in helping schools.

"It's a great honor," he said. "I never expected this kind of attention."

Michael Marsicano, head of the Foundation for the Carolinas, told the Observer that he, Williams and Thomas Lawrence of the Levine Foundation will attend on behalf of Project L.I.F.T. He said President Barack Obama will highlight Project Lift in a meeting with corporate leaders about the future of public schools.

Charlotte's business and philanthropic elite launched Project L.I.F.T in February after extensive study. They have pledged to raise and spend $11 million a year for five years to help West Charlotte High and seven elementary and middle schools that feed its student body.

The project is still trying to raise the final $11.5 million to reach its financial goal; organizers have extended their fundraising deadline by a year. They hope the White House visit will help attract more donors.

"This kind of attention can just put it over the top," Williams said. "This is really exciting."

Williams said he believes the project came to the White House's attention through the America's Promise Alliance, a network of organizations focused on helping young people.

America's Promise is working with the White House on Monday's event. Colleen Wilber, a spokeswoman for the group, said the CEO of America's Promise heard about Project L.I.F.T. "and was so impressed by what you guys (in Charlotte) were able to do ... Project L.I.F.T. is a great example because of all the business support you've gotten."

Observer editor Rick Thames contributed.