March 15, 2002 — New Visions for Public Schools and the New York Life Foundation announce the second Request for Proposals for New York Life Tech Power grants, which enhance the use of technology for instruction in the New York City public schools. Tech Power grants, which are funded by the New York Life Foundation, are designed to maximize the impact of the Board of Education's multi-million dollar investment in computers and Internet access. Schools can receive a two-year grant of up to $20,000 to help students use technology better and to assist teachers in achieving instructional goals, all in an effort to meet city and state standards.
"The New York Life Foundation is proud to support the Tech Power initiative, which broadens New York City public school children's educational opportunities and improves their computer skills," said Sy Sternberg, chairman, president and chief executive officer of New York Life. "By working with New Visions, we are helping the kids in our community obtain the educational tools they need to live brighter, fuller lives."
New Visions' president Robert Hughes said that "The New York Life Foundation's commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all children gain critical technology skills is extraordinary. Our schools will succeed only if we ensure that New York City public school children keep pace with our rapidly changing world."
The New York Life Foundation has committed $1.1 million to the Tech Power program in order to draw upon New Visions' extensive experience with creating programs that make a significant impact on schools and serve as a model for the entire school system. The New York Life Tech Power program currently supports 12 schools, and 12 more will be added in June 2002.
Tech Power grants provide schools with the opportunity to create customized, exciting professional development projects that respond to schools' specific needs for curriculum and instruction. Projects are managed at the school level by teams of teachers and other staff, and schools are encouraged to work with outside partners to increase their technological proficiency.
To help match schools with potential partners, New Visions will hold a Technology Exposition on Tuesday, March 19 at New York Life. The Exposition will showcase a range of technology resources available to schools, as well as current Tech Power projects. In April, New Visions will also provide proposal workshops at locations around the city to help applicants write successful proposals. All K-12 public schools in New York City are encouraged to apply for Tech Power grants, which will be awarded in June 2002. The Request for Proposals and more information are available by calling (212) 645-5110.
New Visions for Public Schools is the largest organization in New York City dedicated to improving the quality of education that children receive in the city's public schools. Working with the public and private sectors, New Visions develops programs and policies to energize teaching and learning and raise the level of student achievement. New Visions' staff is equipped to provide technical, pedagogical and administrative support to schools committed to rethinking their use of technology for instruction. To date, New Visions has provided technology support and training to nearly 100 schools across the city, and promoted literacy around all types of media in schools by improving library facilities, collaborating with teachers on curriculum projects, and integrating technology into all subject areas.
The New York Life Foundation, established in 1979 by New York Life Insurance Company, is the major vehicle through which the company channels contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. Through its Nurturing the Children effort, the Foundation supports organizations, programs and services that target young people, particularly in the areas of mentoring, safe places to learn and grow, and educational enhancement opportunities. Through a company-wide involvement initiative, New York Life encourages volunteer participation by its employees, agents and retirees.
Contacts:
Michael Preston
New Visions for Public Schools
(212) 645-5110
Karen Finkston Payes
New York Life
(212) 576-5624
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