Calgary, AB --- December 19, 2001 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation announces US$65 million in SMARTer Kids Grants for NEC Visual Presentation Products for the 2001–2002 school year. All public or private, accredited, not-for-profit educational institutions involved in K–12, higher education, vocational and technical instruction or administration are eligible to apply. Not-for-profit museums, libraries and science centers involved in K–12 or higher education are also eligible, enabling these institutions to more affordably integrate presentation technology into their facilities. Grant recipients must be located in the United States or Canada.

Successful applicants will receive a SMARTer Kids Grant for qualifying NEC products, including data projectors and multimedia displays, worth up to 39 percent of the suggested list price. There is no limit to the number of qualifying products that may be provided to a single educational institution or school district. In addition, educators who receive Grants through the SMARTer Kids Foundation are often eligible for matching Grants from other institutions.

"As more schools and learning centers integrate technology into the curriculum, the need for Grants that make technology more affordable has risen dramatically," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "The Foundation is committed to helping these institutions through programs like the SMARTer Kids Grant for NEC Visual Presentation Products."

"NEC Technologies is honored to contribute to the SMARTer Kids Foundation's ability to make technology even more accessible to educators," said Bob Hana, vice president and general manager for NEC's Visual Systems Division. "More than 4,000 institutions have already used this program to help students learn faster and achieve more though the use of visual display technology in the classroom. By increasing our support in this successful program, we are confident it will help even more schools improve the educational process, enabling students to be more successful and effective when they enter the workplace."

How to Apply
Applications are available online at www.smarterkids.org/k12/nec/appform.asp or from the Foundation office at 403.228.8565. Applications must be received by midnight, August 31, 2002. Grants must be utilized by September 30, 2002.

Qualifying NEC Visual Presentation Products
NEC products available for SMARTer Kids Grants include a variety of microportable, ultraportable, portable, fixed installation and high light output projectors as well as plasma display panels. For a complete list of qualifying products, visit www.smarterkids.org/k12/nec/products.asp.

Notable Grant Recipients
Past recipients of SMARTer Kids Grants for NEC Visual Presentation Products include the Indiana School for the Deaf, Biloxi High School, Princeton University, Virginia Beach City Schools, the Diocese of Orlando and Wells Elementary School.

Funding Partnership
Last year NEC Technologies, Visual Systems Division, renewed its commitment to the SMARTer Kids Foundation by entering into a three-year sponsorship contract. NEC also participates in other SMARTer Kids Foundation initiatives by donating projectors to the SMARTer Kids Connections and Teaching Excellence Award programs.

About NEC Technologies, Visual Systems Division
NEC Technologies manufactures the industry's broadest line of large-screen display products. Committed to furthering the technology skill enhancement of teachers and students through philanthropic donations of equipment and education community-service programs, NEC is the only visual display manufacturer to offer Grants to educational institutions in Canada and the United States through the SMARTer Kids Foundation. Information about NEC Technologies and its products can be obtained by calling 877.NEC.EDIT or by visiting the NEC Technologies Web site at www.nectech.com.

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For more information, contact:
Public Relations
SMARTer Kids Foundation
403.228.8559
pr@smarterkids.org