Wanted: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teachers to Help 'Close the Technology Gap in Education'
26 Octobre 2006 - 4:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
* DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and New Detroit Science Center
accept second-year applications for $87,000 teacher awards program
* Deadline for applications is December 31, 2006; Winners will be
announced in May 2007 AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 26
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and
the New Detroit Science Center today announced that the "Closing
the Technology Gap" educational awards will return for a second
year and applications can be submitted immediately. The program,
which honors teachers who have challenged and stimulated students
in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),
will award a total of $87,000 to Michigan public schools. Research
from the National Science Foundation shows that fewer people are
pursuing science, math and engineering careers while employment
opportunities in these fields will increase three times faster than
all other occupations. Because of this, the "Closing the Technology
Gap" program aims to increase student interest and participation in
the sciences and ultimately provide companies such as Chrysler
Group with a viable, technology oriented work force in the future.
"Programs like 'Closing the Technology Gap' help to improve
students' understanding and appreciation of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics, while also honoring the educators
responsible for teaching these classes," said Frank Fountain,
Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - External Affairs and Public
Policy (AH) and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund.
"This program is just one of the ways Chrysler Group can ensure
that we engage and inspire a future workforce at an early age and
keep the Michigan economy competitive." Michigan public school
teachers who teach STEM courses are invited to submit an
application via mail to the Detroit Science Center or the website
http://www.chryslerteacherawards.com/ by December 31, 2006. Winners
will be announced in May 2007. All submissions will be judged on
creativity and the uniqueness of the teaching process while also
bringing passion and excitement for the STEM curriculum to the
classroom. The cash prizes will be awarded to each school level --
elementary, middle and high school -- as follows: First through
third-prize winners will receive $15,000, $7,500 and $3,000,
respectively. The 21 winners who place fourth through 10th each
will receive $500 grants. Last year, hundreds of teachers from
across the state entered submissions. The three first-place winners
who each received $15,000 were Chris McAuliffe, Oxbow Elementary
School in White Lake; Harry Istok, Malow Junior High School in
Shelby Township; and Kate Fanelli, Beacon Day Treatment Center in
Inkster. The grants were used to build science, technology,
engineering and mathematics curriculums. "The children of Michigan
need passionate and innovative teachers who can make science,
technology, engineering and math come alive, so that what may have
been seen as boring classes with no relevance suddenly become the
doors to exciting and profitable careers," said Kevin F. Prihod,
President CEO of The New Detroit Science Center. "The 'Closing the
Technology Gap' program highlights and rewards these teachers for
their wonderful accomplishments." A panel of independent judges
from prestigious science, math, engineering and technology arenas
will determine the 30 winners. In addition to the annual "Closing
the Technology Gap" awards program, the Fund recently donated
$100,000 to the three Covenant House charter schools, located in
Detroit. Other educational projects in the metropolitan Detroit
area supported by the Fund include the 2006 U.S. FIRST Robotics
programs, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering,
Society of Women Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers and the
Cranbrook Institute of Science. The DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Fund is committed to improving the social welfare in the
communities where it operates. The Fund annually supports hundreds
of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community growth
and enrichment, arts and culture, education, and youth development
programs throughout the United States and, increasingly, the world.
Now in its 54th year, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the
primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Curtrise Garner,
+1-248-512-2712, , or David Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690, , both of
Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.chryslerteacherawards.com/
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