The 2007 Intel Schools of Distinction Program, in its fourth year, aims to identify schools that exemplify the best of the best and serve as role models to other schools across the nation. In 2007, Schools of Distinction has undergone a transformation focusing on two subject areas which are key to our nation’s future: math and science. The program will now focus on identifying schools with learning environments that promote 21st century learning skills, such as digital literacy, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration as a benchmark for academic excellence in mathematic and scientific achievement. Six winners will be selected  one from each grade range, K-5, 6-8, and 9-12, in each of the two categories of math and science. Each winning school will receive a $10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation, as well as $150,000 in products and services from the program awards sponsors. One of the final six winners will be identified as the Star Innovator for 2007. This school will receive an additional $15,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation, as well as supplemental services and products from the award sponsors.

The SunWise School Program is an environmental and health education program that aims to teach children and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Through the use of classroom-, school-, and community-based components, SunWise seeks to develop sustained sun-safe behaviors in schoolchildren. SunWise Partner Schools receive materials that facilitate cross-curricular classroom learning.

These grants give schools the opportunity to receive SmartTRAX licenses for their students. Three grants of 100 student licenses (1 each for an elementary, middle and high school) will be awarded to schools based on need, enthusiasm, technology integration, innovation and methodology.

Through this awards program, MetLife Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation will identify and honor partnerships that exhibit tangible accomplishments in their efforts to advance the process, outcome, and/or evaluation of potent police-community collaborations. Eligible applicants must be member organizations of partnerships that include, but need not be limited to, community organizations and police. Awardees will receive a monetary grant.

This program recognizes outstanding teachers who develop creative learning experiences using cable television resources such as programming or internet technology. It also aims to encourage the development and effective use of Cable in the Classroom educational programs, as well as to stimulate a national exchange of innovative ideas and programs among educators. This year, Time Warner Cable will recognize 15 projects for creative use of cable television resources and the winners will receive $2,000 cash and $3,000 for school technology advancement. For more information on the program, please contact your local Time Warner Cable office.

Amazon.com introduces the “Wish for Lit” contest, where the company will give over $20,000 in Amazon.com products to 3 winning libraries in the United States. Each winning library will receive a $5,000 gift certificate for Amazon.com products, as well as up to $2,000 of Amazon.com products that are on the library’s Amazon.com Wish List.

The program supports the development of early childhood centers of excellence that focus on all areas of development, especially on the early language, cognitive, and pre-reading skills that prepare children for continued school success and that serve primarily children from low-income families. Grants are designed to help early childhood centers improve their programs, by creating centers of excellence that provide preschool-age children with language and cognitive skills, and an early reading foundation.

This award is bestowed on special education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a teacher in the field of special education. It recognizes and rewards the special skills and excellence of special education teachers throughout the United States. This award bears the NASET official seal, the recipient’s name, the name of the award, and the date awarded.

The Excellence in Summer Learning Award recognizes outstanding summer programs that demonstrate excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting positive development for young people between kindergarten and twelfth grade. The award is given annually based on an application and interview process that elicits information on a program’s history, mission, goals, operations, management, staff development, partnerships, results, and sustainability. The Excellence in Summer Learning Award seeks to find and draw national attention to exemplary programs providing high-quality summer learning experiences for youth in their communities. The mission of the Center for Summer Learning is to create opportunities for high quality summer learning for all young people. A part of the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, the Center builds public support, improves the quality and availability of summer programs, and influences policies and funding to ensure that all youth have access to high-quality learning opportunities during the summer months.