Funding


 * I. HP Innovations in Education Grant **

The grant is worth $270,000 and is designated for educators and administrators willing to conduct projects at one to two school sites. Equipment is included in this grant for participants. The equipment includes 30 mobile workstations, laptops, two printers, digital projectors, monitors, computer peripherals, and a storage cart for the laptops. There will also be a classroom set of graphing calculators with probes and sensors that can be used for science and math classes. The HP grant also accommodates for technical support, one year of DyKnow Software Suite which encourages an open learning environment that gives students an opportunity to collaborate and to practice a more constructivist approach to learning. In addition, Adobe digital software is provided and a virtual training room that gives students the opportunity to experience live interactions from any location with Internet accessibility.

Moreover, the funds are divided to include professional development for the educators involved in the projects. Participants will retrieve training “in an online environment to improve skills and knowledge about effective technology integration” (HP, 2009, p.3 ¶4) while meeting the standards of the International Society for Technology in Education and the National Educational Technology Standards.

**This grant is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and awards $30, 000, 000. It requires the community and institutions of learning to work together to provide facilities that train students to “bring together the creation, integration, and transfer of new knowledge and foster education by integrating education with research, and **by creating bonds between learning and inquiry so that discovery and creativity more fully support the learning process** ” (National Science Foundation, 2004, ¶ 2 ). **  The partnerships may be between corporations and institutions of higher learning that will invest resources for the facilities and also monitor them for continued accountability. ** III. School Bonds: Qualified School Construction Bonds and Qualified Zone Academy Bonds **School bonds are provided by the United States Department of Treasury and are tax-exempt and interest- free. They are part of the Obama Administration’s attempt to “help states pursue capital projects to revitalize our communities while putting Americans back to work” (U. S. Dept. of Treasury, 2009, ¶ 3) in this time of economic recession. The bonds support projects geared toward educational establishments and other public facilities. There is $11, 000, 000,000 in bonds available to be divided among qualifying schools based on poverty levels.
 * II. Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships **

** IV. Federal Funds ** The purpose of Title IA and Title IID funds is to improve the academic achievement of those that are economically disadvantaged by providing grants and technology to schools in lower socioeconomic areas. Schools receive funds according to their attendance rate of low-income students that are on either free or reduced lunch. The funds allow schools to provide extra instructional staff and supplemental programs that provide extended learning time with the aid of technology because the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 constitutes that every student is technologically literate by the end of their eighth grade year. “Funds for these programs are intended ** to ensure that all children have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards and assessments” ** (Shelby County Schools, 2009).

In addition there are funds geared toward professional development which can aid in increasing student achievement. It is encouraged that instructors and administrators engage in professional development and training that focuses on technology integration. Instructors and administrators must also be able to dissect and manage data to make the best decisions for proper instructional methods. Schools are held accountable for achievement and must use a variety of research based instructional strategies to improve student performance and to ensure high-quality education.   <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Corporate Sponsors **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Buckman Laboratories is a global organization that has been in operation for 64 years. It is headquartered in Memphis, TN and is a leader in manufacturing specialty chemicals. A philosophy of the company is to serve “through continuous innovation in problem-solving, business and technical programs, product and process development, knowledge sharing, as well as safety, health, and environmental stewardship” (Buckman, 2009, ¶ 3). With that philosophy, the company chooses to support local schools and churches and endorses what is known as Knowledge-Nurture where knowledge sharing is encouraged.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Eurofins US is a global analytical testing and consulting services. There are several locations in the United States with its headquarters in DesMoines, Iowa. The laboratory uses quality technology and a broad range of laboratory methods to analyze everything from feed to pharmaceuticals. Eurofins strives to “act as a partner to clients to find the most cost effective and complete analytical and solutions to meet their needs” Eurofins, 2008, ¶2).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Memphis Bioworks® Foundation was created with the purpose to change bioscience in Memphis, TN. The foundation has a 10-year $500,000,000 plan to promote changes in the city. The foundation has also partnered with various groups to promote change. The foundation collaborates with public and private sectors to take on individuals and businesses that provide programs that support education and outreach programs to build the workforce (Bioworks, Education page, ¶2). In addition the foundation has already constructed the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory as part of the University of Tennessee Baptist Research Park.

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 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">School Sponsors **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Southwest Tennessee Community College is located in Memphis, TN. The college is a product of two schools that merged in 2000, Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute of Memphis. The goal of the school is to provide quality education to the counties in the mid-south region of Tennessee. Southwest Tennessee Community College has several partnerships and participates in community service activities with the goal of workforce development. The college also “implements articulation agreements and collaborative activities with high schools, technology centers, colleges, and universities” (Southwest Mission section, 2009).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">The University of Memphis was originally known as Memphis State University until 1994. The University is a “learner-centered metropolitan research university providing high quality educational experiences while pursuing new knowledge through research, artistic expression, and interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship” (University of Memphis Mission, 2009). Expansions continue in an effort to strive to teach courses that are beneficial to students today. The FedEx Institute of Technology and the School of Hospitality and Resort Management are examples of the university moving toward more innovative offerings.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">**References:** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Buckman Laboratories. (2009). //Welcome to Buckman laboratories//. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Eurofins US. (2008). //Home//. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Hewlett-Packard Development Company. (2009). HP innovations in education grant 2009 request for proposals secondary schools district– USA. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Memphis Bioworks® Foundation. (2008). //A catalyst for Memphis growth//. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">National Science Foundation. (2004). Science and technology centers: Integrative Partnerships. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[|**http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03550/nsf03550.htm**] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">Southwest Tennessee Community College. (2009). //Your best choice//. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">The University of Memphis. (2009). //Dreamers. Thinkers. Doers//. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Shelby County Schools. (2009). Federal funded programs overview. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">U.S. Department of Treasury. (2009). Build America Bonds and School Bonds: Investing in our states, investing in our workers, investing in our kids. Available at: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">