From 1987 to 1995, the Accelerated Schools Project moved from a two-school pilot project to a national movement of over 700 schools in 35 states. This paper examines how the Accelerated Schools Centers have helped the expansion of the accelerated schools movement by recruiting and supporting schools in their regions, and how their institutional settings have influenced expansion efforts and support at each site. In particular, the paper looks at the growth of two centers established in university settings that participated in the 4-year Chevron-sponsored Satellite Center Project (1989-94). The two centers are located at the University of New Orleans (Louisiana) and at California State University, Los Angeles (California). The growth of Accelerated Schools Centers in universities depends on the following variables: (1) the mission of the institution; (2) the requirements made by the institution for professional advancement; (3) the rank of the participating faculty members; (4) the support of the dean and key senior faculty members; (5) the ability of the center team to raise funds; and (6) the commitment of the center team to establish a more independent center within the university. One chart is included. Contains 35 references. (LMI)