SMARTer Kids Foundation accepting applications to 2006 2007 Connections program

Education institutions in Canada, United States and Mexico eligible to apply

Calgary, AB --- February 2, 2006 --- The SMARTer Kids™ Foundation of Canada is now accepting applications for the 2006 2007 Connections program, a fully funded collaborative learning program for grade six classes from across North America. Eight selected teachers will have their classrooms outfitted with leading-edge education technology, and they will be trained to use the technology so they can undertake collaborative projects with other participating teachers and classes. Grade six teachers from schools in Canada, the United States and Mexico are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by March 31, 2006.

While participating in Connections, students and teachers communicate with one another with the goal of encouraging mutual respect and understanding among students across North America. The program culminates in May 2007 with teachers and selected students meeting in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for a week of friendship, adventure and learning. The Connections program is entering its eighth year, with more than 2,000 grade six students already having participated.

"The training and education technology provided by Connections was career changing; it was thorough and intensive, making me confident with the technology and its applications," says Katrina Mitchell, teacher at Henderson Elementary in Daupin, Manitoba, and Connections 2005 2006 participant. "It has allowed my students to interact with kids from around the continent, an opportunity they otherwise would not have had. It has sparked their interest in the global community and expanded their horizons."

"The Connections program empowers today's youth to develop respect for diversity and gives them a unique opportunity to collaborate on projects with students from across North America," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "The program allows teachers to subtly teach the value of multiculturalism while enabling students to develop technology skills."

Program details
The SMARTer Kids Foundation offers the Connections Program as part of its commitment to youth. Once selected, grade six teachers from each school will visit Calgary in July 2006 to receive training on the donated products, integrating technology into the curriculum and using Web-based communication tools. Teachers will also work together to plan collaborative projects for the coming year. In the spring of 2007, a select number of grade six students, accompanied by their teachers, will participate in the Calgary student visit. Costs associated with the visit and professional development, including airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and admission to Connections-sponsored activities, are paid for by the SMARTer Kids Foundation.

Product Donations
All Connections schools receive a SMART Board™ 680 interactive whiteboard, floor stand, SMART Board software, SMART Ideas® concept-mapping software, an AirLiner™ wireless slate and a two-year subscription to Bridgit™ conferencing software to be used for collaborative projects between schools. These products are integrated into the curriculum to support collaborative learning projects and remain in the schools at the completion of the program.

How to apply
Grade six teachers from accredited, not-for-profit public and private schools in Canada, the United States and Mexico are eligible to apply. Applying teachers must teach a a majority of re subjects. All applications must be received by midnight MST on March 31, 2006. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 14, 2006. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a participation agreement with the Foundation. Full program details and requirements are available online at www.smarterkids.org/k12/connections.