Press Release

ONTARIO, CA (March 22, 2004) - As part of its annual "TechEd," Technology in Education International Conference & Exposition, The Community College Foundation is making available more than 500 conference registration scholarships to California educators and administrators, allowing them to attend the world-renowned, intensive three-day technology event for free. The TechEd 2004 Conference will take place March 22-24 at the Ontario Convention Center.

"The Tech Ed Expo offers wonderful hands-on experience for all who attend," stated Amita Patel, OCVB's director of sales and marketing. "We are pleased they selected our facility to host such an event this year."

Massive and persistent funding cuts that have slashed California schools' budgets prompted The Foundation's call to action. "We are pleased to be at the front of the line helping California's underserved educators continue to receive critical hands-on technology training through this scholarship program," said William Neece, Foundation Vice President and TechEd Conference Manager. "I feel it is our duty to provide, at a time when others are failing our institutions," he added.

The scholarships offered by TechEd are being made possible in part by the support of some of TechEd's long-time corporate partners that share the same concern for education and the continued efforts of the conference. One of the contributors, Apple Computer, is sponsoring the Digital Media Pavilion on the exhibit floor, which features 1,200 square feet and 45 work stations of pioneering digital media for attendees to experience.

Known as the largest hands-on event of its kind, the TechEd conference will feature hundreds of hands-on computer workshops, break-out sessions, special interest symposiums, roundtables, intensive pre-conference sessions and an expansive exhibit floor featuring technology solutions from the hundreds of the world's leading hi-tech companies. Renowned keynote speakers such as William Raduchel, former chief technology officer for AOL/Time Warner and other inspiring session presenters will share their knowledge, experience, and proven successful practices in the effective uses of technology in education. Thousands of educators from all levels of education attend TechEd each year in search of new information and skills to enhance, and transform learning within their institutions. The theme of the upcoming TechEd Conference is "Leading & Learning in the Digital Age."

Other key attractions include the "Iron Chef" of Webmasters competition sponsored by the World Organization of Webmasters. This competition pits three teams of designers from Cerritos College, La Canada High School and Montebello Unified School District who will complete a total makeover of a school Website in a matter of six hours. On display in the exhibit hall will be the eBus Mobile Digital Media Lab, which is a one-of-a-kind multimedia showcase on wheels! The eBus features state-of-the-art Apple G4 computers and 23" theater displays and Adobe Systems software and offers the ultimate in graphics art and digital instruction.

For more information on the scholarship program, please call Michael Coe, Attendance Manager, at 916-418-5133, or go to http://www.techedevents.org/2004/register/Passes2004.asp.

About The Community College Foundation
Sacramento, California-based The Community College Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public-benefit organization. Established in 1983, the Foundation's programs are committed to youth and family services, foster youth mentoring, violence prevention, welfare to work training, student internships, environmental education services, scholarships, technology training and access, and education initiatives. Through its creative programs, the Foundation fosters relationships between business, education and government for the betterment of our nation's communities. The Foundation's Web site is www.communitycollege.org. The Foundation is located at 1901 Royal Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95815.