Qwest Foundation and South Dakota Department of Education Offer Technology Grants to Teachers

Business Wire, Nov 27, 2007

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Qwest Foundation and the South Dakota Department of Education today announced they will award $25,000 to South Dakota teachers as part of the Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program. Teachers across South Dakota will have the opportunity to compete for awards of up to $2,500 each to support innovative programs that promote the use of technology in the classroom.

Grants will be awarded to pre-K through 12th grade teachers so they may use technology in the classroom to engage students, enhance student performance and prepare them for life in a technologically advanced world. One of the goals of the Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program is for teachers to share information about how the technologies they use benefit students.

"South Dakota students deserve to learn about the latest technologies and how these affect their lives, and Qwest is proud to again offer teachers the opportunity to prepare students for a high-tech world," said Larry Toll, Qwest president for South Dakota. "The Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program helps ensure teachers have access to cutting-edge technologies to benefit their students."

"We are excited to partner with Qwest on this project," said Secretary of Education Rick Melmer. "We know that classroom teachers often have innovative ideas on how to use technology to achieve their teaching goals. These grants will allow a select number of teachers to put their ideas into action."

Grants will be awarded to teachers through a competitive process that will be administered by the South Dakota Department of Education. Teachers will be able to submit applications for the Qwest Teachers and Technology grants beginning Dec. 3. Application forms and instructions are available at www.doe.sd.gov. The deadline to apply is Jan. 11, 2008.

Funds may be used to purchase supplies or to support professional development needs; however, funds may not be used to pay salaries or stipends.

This is the second year Qwest has offered the Teachers and Technology grant program. Last year, winning teachers received grants for programs ranging from interactive white boards to podcast projects.

About the Qwest Foundation:

The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in education provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on pre-K through grade 12 education.

About the South Dakota Department of Education:

The South Dakota Department of Education is dedicated to enhancing learning through leadership and service.

The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.