SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 15, 2009 – Eighteen schools have been named finalists for the Intel Schools of Distinction. The annual program honors U.S. schools that demonstrate 21st century teaching and learning environments and, implement innovative programs that inspire their students to excel in the areas of math and science. Schools compete for $1 million in grants and awards from the Intel Foundation and sponsoring companies.

The Intel Foundation will award $2,500 to each of the finalist schools.

In addition, six of the 18 schools – one elementary, one middle school and one high school – will be selected in both the Math and Science categories. To honor their extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation, each of these six schools will receive an additional $10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation and an award package including curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software valued at more than $100,000 per school. Sponsors include SMART Technologies and Inspiration Software.

During September 13-15, 2009, representatives from the winning schools will attend a series of events in Washington, D.C., beginning with a black tie Gala and concluding with an awards event on September 15 at which one school from this year's honorees will be named "Star Innovator."

The Star Innovator School will receive a $15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation as well as additional products and services from the sponsors, bringing the value of the Star Innovator award to more than $200,000.

The school winning the Star Innovator award must have a comprehensive program incorporating innovative and effective use of technology, engaging parents and the community in students' education, fostering professional development and teamwork, and delivering consistent achievement of high academic standards.

"Improving math and science education is one of the critical issues we see facing the United States if it is to compete effectively in a global economy,” said Wendy Hawkins, Executive Director of the Intel Foundation. “It is encouraging to see examples of such excellence from across the country. These schools launch their students on a path to lifelong learning with programs that are rich, exciting and demanding."

The 18 finalists were chosen from both public and private schools and from rural, urban and suburban neighborhoods. The finalists, representing a wide range of successful programs, are in two categories: Mathematics Excellence and Science Excellence.

Mathematics Excellence

The finalist schools in this category offer their students a rigorous, challenging and engaging program that teaches mathematics skills and how to apply them to solve real-life problems, approach projects as a member of a team, and communicate succinctly on the subject. The schools' mathematics curriculum includes a variety of 21st century instructional strategies that incorporate critical thinking skills and hands-on experiences to ensure high levels of achievement for all students.

Finalist schools in this category are:

Elementary Schools

Cedar Park Elementary School	Trumann, AR
Mandarin Oaks Elementary School	Jacksonville, FL
Midtown West School	New York, NY

Middle Schools

Crabapple Middle School	Roswell, GA
Rocky Heights Middle School	Littleton, CO
Urban Assembly for Applied Math and Science	Bronx, NY

High Schools

Jesuit High School	Portland, OR
Lynn English High School	Lynn, MA
Revere High School	Revere, MA

Science Excellence

The finalist schools provide a rich science curriculum incorporating hands-on investigative experiences that prepare students for 21st century jobs. Programs encourage student achievement in sciences and engineering, while simultaneously helping students to become knowledgeable consumers of news and data in order to be active and informed citizens. Programs are designed to meet the needs of all students, incorporating a variety of instructional strategies, and meeting rigorous education industry standards and assessment benchmarks.

Finalist schools in this category are:

Elementary Schools

Bevis Elementary School	Lithia, FL
Foulks Ranch Elementary School	Elk Grove, CA
Oakcliff Elementary School	Doraville, GA

Middle Schools

Palm Desert Middle School	Palm Desert, CA
Teeland Middle School	Wasilla, AK
Tierra Del Sol Middle School	Lakeside, CA

High Schools

BASIS Tucson	Tucson, AZ
Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy	Aurora, IL
Westshore Junior/Senior High School	Melbourne, FL

For more information about the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards visit www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/

To read about the 2008 winners, visit www.k12blueprint.com/k12/blueprint/soda2008.php

Through the Intel Education initiative, Intel invests more than $100 million annually in its efforts to accelerate 21st century learning. Intel's vision is to help equip young people with the skills required to succeed in today's workforce that will in turn fuel global economic growth and innovation. For more information, visit www.intel.com/education.

About Intel

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