* 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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