Portland,
OR – Oregon’s underserved schools and community groups
could become more tech savvy by taking advantage of a $1 million
computer grant program announced at a news conference today by the
Beaumont Foundation of America and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
“By making more than $1
million worth of computer technology available to deserving schools
and non-profit organizations in Oregon, the Beaumont Foundation
is helping bridge the digital divide in our state,” said Wyden.
“I plan to work with Susan Castillo to make sure that every
eligible school has a chance to make their case before the March
31 application deadline.”
In announcing the grant, Wayne
Reaud, board chairman of the Beaumont Foundation, said, “I’d
like to see to it that there is not a child in this country who
is denied access to a computer, nor is there a child in this country
who has access to a computer but does not have a teacher who can
teach him how to use it.”
The Foundation’s core purpose
is to grant state-of-the-art, Internet-enabled, wireless computer
hardware to Americans—through qualifying non-profits, faith-based
and community organizations, libraries, schools and individuals
in need—who do not have access to the vast educational benefits
of the Internet, and to collaborate with existing successful organizations
to provide the technical support to utilize it. Grant applications
for Oregon are being accepted through March 31, 2003.
Wyden and State Superintendent
of Public Instruction Susan Castillo have agreed to work with schools
to help them get their grant applications in prior to the March
31 deadline.
“This grant will allow more
Oregon students to access educational opportunities through advanced
technology. In addition to reading, writing, science and math, today's
students also must learn the new digital basics -- the Internet,
digital cameras, wireless technology, and more. Our business and
higher education partners rely on the public schools to step up
to these new challenges,” said Oregon State Superintendent
of Public Instruction Susan Castillo. “These grants help open
those doors to students in every corner of Oregon -- from the Portland
metro area to our rural communities -- and I strongly urge all eligible
school districts to apply.”
“More than a million dollars
in computer equipment grants can make a real, concrete difference
for kids and community groups,” Wyden said. “I want
to encourage all Oregon schools and community groups to find out
if your organization is eligible for funding, and to apply if they
are.”
For more information about
eligibility and future grant application opportunities, contact
the Beaumont Foundation of America at www.bmtfoundation.com or call
at 1.866.505.COMP.
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