OpenWorld Learning Media Contact:
Christi Kirchner
Media & Donor Relations Manager
Phone: 303-633-4190
Cell: 720-841-7677
Email:
February 27, 2008
Leading the way in Corporate Giving: IHS Presents OpenWorld Learning with a $40,000 Sponsorship on National Corporate Philanthropy Day
Monday, February 25, 2008: IHS, a leading global source of critical information and insight for customers in a broad range of industries, presented OpenWorld Learning with a $40,000 donation to sponsor its after school program at the College View Elementary site (2675 S. Decatur St., Denver CO 80219). A formal check presentation was made by Jerre Stead, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman.
OpenWorld Learning is a Colorado-based non-profit organization that is partnering with business leaders and public schools to develop an educational model for the Information Age. OpenWorld Learning offers an after-school and summer program in 15 public schools in Colorado, with plans to expand to 25 sites in the 2008-2009 school year. Through an innovative educational curriculum, students learn advanced computer skills, including computer programming. They develop basic skills in reading, writing and math, and they learn the core skills of the Information Age - including creative thinking, analytic reasoning, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. In 2007, OpenWorld Learning received the "Excellence in Education" award from the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was named one of the "50 Most Innovative Technology Companies in the State of Colorado" by CSIA.
IHS is headquartered in Colorado and focuses on four major areas of information: energy, product lifecycle management, environmental and security. Customers range from governments and multinational companies to smaller companies and technical professionals in more than 180 countries. IHS has been in business since 1959 and employs more than 3,000 people in 35 locations around the world. National Corporate Philanthropy Day is a great opportunity to encourage businesses to take an active role in the community. The $40,000 investment in OpenWorld Learning will positively impact area youth in a way that will last a lifetime. Jerre Stead, IHS CEO, said, "IHS aligns with the mission of OpenWorld Learning because it provides opportunities. Students in the OpenWorld Learning program are learning teamwork, leadership and the importance of innovation. We've seen several education programs all around the world and this is the best by far."
OpenWorld Learning's mission is to support children's school success by tapping the power of digital technology and peer teaching to ignite a love of learning and leadership. Its programs have directly served more than 2,500 students to date, including 878 who received more than 93,000 program contact hours in 2007 - our highest total number in a one-year duration. Focus is on students who do not readily have access to technology, as in the case with College View where 88% qualify for free and reduced lunch.
