SMARTer Kids Foundation launches US$3.1 million Grant program for SMART Roomware products

PREP Grant enhances technology integration in teacher-training facilities

Atlanta, GA --- June 26, 2000 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation announces a US$3.1 million Grant program designed to enhance technology integration in teacher-training facilities. Grants are awarded to successful applicants for up to 80 percent of the price of SMART Roomware products. Open to all pre-service and in-service teacher-preparation facilities, the PREP Grant equals 80 percent of the list price on a SMART Board 560 or SMART Board 580 interactive whiteboard, a Floor Stand 570 and SynchronEyes, SMART’s computer-lab instruction software. For the purchase of SMART Expression, a mobile multimedia cabinet, the PREP Grant is 60 percent of the list price. With SMART Roomware in training centers, teachers will learn to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum to produce high-tech, collaborative educational settings.

"Computer-based lessons have become an integral part of interactive curriculum delivery," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "Training tomorrow’s teachers to use interactive technology helps to encourage learning and sharing of ideas, thereby enhancing the classroom experience."

The PREP Grant is available to all accredited not-for-profit universities, colleges, teacher-training schools, institutes or centers throughout North America involved in pre-service teacher-training and education leading to an education degree or professional teacher certificate. The Grant is also available to local, district or regional in-service teacher-training centers. 500 PREP Grants will be awarded for each product. Applicants are required to fill out a simple application outlining how Roomware products will be used to enhance teacher training. Applications for Grants are available online or by calling 403.228.8565. All applications must be submitted by October 31, 2000. Grants awarded must be utilized by November 30, 2000.

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Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.