US$18 million in technology funding available through SMARTer Kids Foundation for 1999/2000 school year

Calgary, Alberta --- August 23, 1999 --- Following its mandate to bring technology into the classroom to support, sustain and improve learning, the SMARTer Kids Foundation announces that US$18 million in SMARTer Kids Grants will be available for the 1999/2000 school year. Open to accredited not-for-profit public and private schools, colleges and universities across North America, the SMARTer Kids Grant is 25% to 30% of the list price for the purchase of SMART products. Grants can be applied towards the purchase of SMART Board or Rear Projection SMART Board interactive whiteboards, SMART Expression mobile, multimedia cabinets or SynchronEyes classroom instruction and computer-control software. Awarded on a per-unit basis, there is no limit on the number of Grants that may be provided to a single educational institution or school district.

The response from Grant recipients has been extremely positive. "The Osceola Campus of Valencia Community College has used SMART Boards in many of its classes. The Boards have tremendously improved the quality of teaching, learning and curriculum design," says Rory Penland, library/media specialist at Osceola Campus of Valencia Community College. "The SMARTer Kids Foundation Grant made it possible for us to stretch our technology funds to benefit from the exciting capabilities of the SMART Boards within our limited budget."

"As the education system strives to embrace technology, more focus must be given to how educational facilities can afford to stay current," says Sandra Walliser, managing director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "The Grants available through the SMARTer Kids Foundation are one more step toward ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to learn and grow in a technology-rich educational environment."

Applying for a SMARTer Kids Foundation Grant
Educators can apply for a Grant by completing an online application outlining how they intend to use SMART products in the classroom. All Grant applications must be received by midnight on August 31, 2000. Grants must be utilized by September 30, 2000.

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Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.