SACRAMENTO - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates' charitable foundation promised the state $1 million to boost student performance in its high schools, state officials announced this week.

The state plans to award the funds to 11 school districts.

Districts will use the money from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, plus an additional $1 million in federal funds earmarked by the state, to develop five-year plans to improve schools by partnering with local organizations and businesses.

The foundation has given more than $104 million to 287 California schools.

Some of the improvement plans could include community programs to help high school students do better in school and improve teacher professional development.