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Beaumont Foundation Announces $1 Million in Computer Technology Grants For Oregon

Wyden, Castillo encourage eligible schools, community groups to apply for new computers

February 16, 2003

 
 
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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