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"Discovery Communications To Launch New Multimedia, Multi-Year Science Initiative, "Be The Future," Supporting Obama Administration STEM Priorities -- DirecTV Boosts Support of Science Literacy with Move of Science Channel to Total Choice, Offering Millions of Additional Subscribers Access to Quality Science Programming -- November 23, 2009 (Silver Spring, Md.) Underscoring its commitment to leading in science-related programming and education, and answering President Obama's call to action to encourage science literacy, Discovery Communications today announced a new multimedia, multi-year nationwide initiative called "Be The Future." Over the next five years, Discovery will launch a programming block, education curriculum and tools to inspire student learning and careers in the sciences and support the White House's efforts behind science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. "Lifting American students from the middle to the top of the pack in STEM achievement over the next decade will not be attained by government alone," said President Obama. "I applaud the substantial commitments made today by the leaders of companies, universities, foundations, non-profits and organizations representing millions of scientists, engineers and teachers from across the country." "The exploration of science, technology and the natural world is central to the mission and DNA of Discovery Communications and we are incredibly proud to put the full muscle of our content and resources behind this critical White House initiative," said John S. Hendricks, founder and chairman, Discovery Communications. "Through 'Be the Future' we will spark the innate curiosity in school-aged viewers and people of all ages, help drive interest and leadership in science-related careers and inspire a lifelong interest in how science shapes our everyday lives." A sweeping, multi-platform initiative, "Be the Future" will be built on two primary Discovery businesse

"Foundations for the Future (F3) is a collaboration of Georgia Tech researchers working with government and industry support to ensure universal K-12 technology access and effective use in Georgia. The focus of Foundations for the Future is to help accelerate the application of telecommunications technology for interconnecting K-12 schools for collaborative learning, remote access to educational facilities (zoos, museums, libraries), and Internet-based resources. The mission of F3 is to leverage existing investments and expertise to promote powerful, effective, and feasible alternatives that improve educational practice in Georgia through innovative applications in technology. Funding for Foundations for the Future was provided initially by the AT&T Foundation through a $2 million grant. The Georgia State Legislature began funding F3 in July 1998. Foundations for the Future welcomes interested parties to become involved in this collaborative effort."

"NASA's journeys into air and space have deepened humankind's understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. These accomplishments share a common genesis: education. As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future. NASA will continue the Agency's tradition of investing in the Nation's education programs and supporting the country's educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will be the workforce of tomorrow. In 2006 and beyond, NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals: Strengthening NASA and the Nation's future workforce; Attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines; Engaging Americans in NASA's mission"

"The Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning is a public, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening teacher development policy and practice. Our Web site features recent information on teacher development including research, state and national policy and legislative initiatives, and models for effective practice. We invite policy-makers, parents and teachers, researchers and journalists, and education and philanthropic organizations to use the resources of this site and join us in helping to ensure that every child learns from a fully qualified and effective teacher."

"21st Century Leaders, operated under the charter of Georgia Business Forum, Inc., is a non-profit organization that collaborates with business and education leaders to develop, inspire and nurture students with leadership potential to make a positive impact on their schools, communities and future places of work. The mission of 21st Century Leaders is to increase the number, skills and diversity of Georgia's future leaders. The program begins in the summer of sophomore year and continues during high school. 21st Century Leaders hail from over 130 high schools across the state of Georgia. They are truly a picture of Georgia; they are urban and rural, minority and majority, male and female. They come from differing economic circumstances and family backgrounds."

"HathiTrust is a bold idea with big plans. HathiTrust is a partnership of major research institutions and libraries working to ensure that the cultural record is preserved and accessible long into the future. There are more than fifty partners in HathiTrust, and membership is open to institutions worldwide."

"CLIR's mission is to expand access to information, however recorded and preserved, as a public good. CLIR is an independent, nonprofit organization. Through publications, projects, and programs, CLIR works to maintain and improve access to information for generations to come. In partnership with other institutions, CLIR helps create services that expand the concept of "library" and supports the providers and preservers of information. CLIR pursues three primary goals in support of its mission: To foster new approaches to the management of digital and nondigital information resources so that they will be available in the future; To expand leadership capacity in the information professions; To analyze changes in the information landscape and help practitioners prepare for them."

"Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Houghton Mifflin Harcourt brings people together-at home, school, work-through powerful solutions that recognize how learning can be exciting for everyone. Since 1832, our tradition of excellence, commitment, and innovation illustrates our rich history of educating the future."

"The mission of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation is to provide underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. The FINRA Foundation envisions a society characterized by universal financial literacy. Established in 2003, the FINRA Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects aimed at segments of the investing public that could benefit from additional resources. These resources come in various forms. Our grants allow researchers to explore investor behavior and develop practical ways to avoid costly mistakes and prepare for the future. Grant funding also helps nonprofit organizations ensure that reliable financial and investor education is available to all who need it, when they need it-at the workplace, online 24/7, or wherever it's most effective. By sharing research and tools broadly, the FINRA Foundation adds to the collective wisdom about how best to help investors. Such information also shapes our directed programs. When we work on behalf of military service members and their families, with older Americans nearing or in retirement, or with students in all parts of the country, we have the opportunity to apply the latest research and adapt innovative strategies to their circumstances and needs. Our goal is to reach more and more investors each year, educate them on their own terms, and teach them how to protect themselves in a world that is complex and dynamic."

"Welcome to the convenience and flexibility of an online education at Kaplan University. Earn a college degree on your terms. You control the schedule. There are no travel expenses, or hours spent searching a campus map. Simply attend our online classes anytime, anywhere, virtually 24/7. Our Mission: Kaplan University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. Our programs foster student learning with opportunities to launch, enhance, or change careers in today's diverse global society. The University is committed to general education, a student-centered service and support approach, and applied scholarship in a practical environment. Who We Are: Kaplan University is a part of Kaplan Higher Education Corp., which is a part of Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. Today, Kaplan comprises half of the Post Company's revenue and is its fastest-growing division. Purposes: To accomplish its mission, Kaplan University has established the following purposes: Provide academic programs that have been developed and assessed by faculty, staff, and members of educational, professional, and business communities; Provide intensive and comprehensive instruction using both onsite and online modes of delivery that strengthens student academic achievement; Instill in its students the value of lifelong learning by stimulating intellectual curiosity, creative and critical thinking, and awareness of culture and diversity; Plan and provide facilities and resources that respond to the needs of students, faculty, and staff; Assist students in developing professional attitudes, values, skills, and strategies that will foster success in their careers and in life; Prepare students to meet the ever-changing needs of their communities now and in the future."

"The Movement: Roadtrip Nation exists to empower people to define their own roads in life. We encourage people to engage in self-construction and actively participate in defining their futures by hitting the road and hearing stories from Leaders who have resisted the Noise of conformity and stayed true to themselves. We believe that when people listen to themselves and are honest about who they are and what they love, they are able to seek out their own path and contribute to the world with their unique talents and passions. Roadtrip Nation believes that by helping others discover their own paths, there will be a significant positive change in the world - the world needs people who are in tune with who they are and what they care about. At Roadtrip Nation, we believe that living a life fueled by authenticity and passion allows people the ability to offer their creativity, ingenuity and enthusiasm towards their goals, and, in turn, will build a better global community. The Roadtrip Nation Movement exists to support, empower, and encourage individuals who want to define their own roads in life."

"ABCmouse.com is a global education initiative of Age of Learning, Inc. Our goal is to help children build a strong foundation for future academic success by providing a comprehensive and engaging online curriculum to greatly assist early learners to succeed in pre-k, kindergarten, and early elementary school programs. ABCmouse.com is subscription-based, with no advertising, pop-up ads, or links to other sites. Children can learn and explore with their parents, or on their own (depending on age and ability), in a safe and secure online educational environment. We named our site ABCmouse.com because here children can learn important educational basics (often referred to as "the ABC's") through the use of a computer mouse, thus ABCmouse.com. At ABCmouse.com, the computer mouse comes to life as ABC Mouse, who serves as our site ambassador and guide to early learners everywhere."

"Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn Incorporated is a leader in providing innovative eLearning solutions to academic and other leading organizations around the world. Our offerings include our Enterprise eLearning Suite, which is comprised of the web-based Learning Environment, ePortfolio, Learning Repository, and LiveRoom. Our focus is on research and development and service and support for our clients, and our products lead the market in innovation and client satisfaction. Desire2Learn is committed to being the global leader in the development and support of innovative eLearning environments for the education, government and corporate markets. We work collaboratively with our clients in pursuit of their eLearning visions; their success is our measure of achievement. Our future focused platform along with our enterprise service spectrum offer unparalleled scalability, flexibility, expertise, and responsiveness. Ultimately, Desire2Learn enables institutions to customize teaching and education for millions on a one-to-one basis, to achieve boundless learning."

"Focusing on the K-12 community In the late 1990s, the State of Michigan founded Michigan Virtual University to support the state's economic development efforts by providing convenient and cost-effective education and training to Michigan's current and future workforce. After redefining its mission and vision in 2004, MVU now serves the K-12 education community exclusively through the Michigan Virtual School and Michigan LearnPort. As one of the largest virtual schools in the U.S., Michigan Virtual School offers more than 150 online courses, including unique courses like Chinese and CareerForward®, an online career exploration course. Michigan LearnPort brings professional development to the K-12 educational community. Hosting a broad catalog of courses and collaborative tools, Michigan LearnPort provides online learning resources and solutions for educators. MVU provides powerful and engaging online career development tools for high school and middle school students, parents and K-12 educators, including a no-cost online course called CareerForward that helps all Michigan schools meet the state's online learning graduation requirement. MVU's web-based application called myDreamExplorer® gives students an opportunity to explore different career pathways, take personal interest surveys and build a personalized education development plan. The MVU organizational values represent a set of core beliefs that continue to build a high performance team environment. These value statements serve as the foundation for MVU's vision and mission statements. MVU is committed to the following values: High standards for quality, ongoing research and the use of data to improve operational decisions; Use of innovative technologies to address persistent educational challenges; Listening to customer and stakeholder feedback to guide product and service evelopment plans; Excellence in the design, development and delivery of online educational

"Our mission is simple. We want to promote the use of audio and video educational material for personal and professional development. What does this mean? It means that we want to help you to see how you can turn 'dead time' (time spent commuting, exercising, doing chores, etc.) into 'learning time.' Most of us have at least a couple of hours each day where we could be learning a foreign language, deepening our spiritual or philosophical interests or learning about any of hundreds of different subjects. We want to help you find material that is both entertaining and educational. We encourage you to join us in Learning Out Loud. Through our site we will help you discover new content and ways to incorporate audio learning into your daily life. We invite you to check out all of the areas of our site including our catalog (with over 7,000 audio and video titles), our articles and our publisher and author resource pages. We also invite you to participate in our community through our blog, forums, newsletter and podcast. LearnOutLoud.com is based in Santa Monica, California, an area of the country known for horrendous commute times. We're just getting going and hope to offer you a whole lot more in the future. We welcome you to contact us at any time with feedback, suggestions, business opportunities or anything else that you can think of. We're here to serve. Keep letting us know what we can do to help you better utilize the power of audio and video learning in your life!"

"The Georgia Forestry Association, one of the oldest conservation organizations in the United States, was founded in 1907. At that time, tree farming was a family tradition. Land was passed from generation to generation and with it, a love of the land that became our heritage. Through the years, GFA has worked with landowners in protecting their property rights and adopting sound land management practices to ensure that our forests continue to provide clean air, clean water, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation and products that we all use every day. Georgia's forests are vital to lives of many state residents, from private landowners and foresters to loggers and thousands of others employed by the forestry community. Who better to manage Georgia's forests than the very people who want to see them prosper? The Georgia Forestry Association is committed to protecting our forests and their future. For 100 years, GFA has been the "voice of forestry," working to educate business, environmental and political leaders about responsible forest management practices, reforestation, benefits derived from forestry and landowner rights. In turn, GFA serves as a resource, keeping members informed of legislative and regulatory issues that can affect the long-term health and value of forested land. GFA also provides a diverse resource of technical information that can help you better grow your forestry investment. GFA members can assist in implementing responsible land management practices and offer sound advice on making the most of your resources."

"What We Do: At the Tiger Woods Foundation, we believe in a new generation of bold, courageous youth. We inspire new perspectives and limitless possibilities. We provide opportunities to Be Someone. Since its inception in 1996 by Tiger Woods and his father, Earl, the Tiger Woods Foundation has reached millions of young people by delivering unique experiences and innovative educational opportunities for youth worldwide. What began as simply a dream to provide young people with opportunities and the tools needed to achieve a bright future has grown into a global organization that has served young people around the world. Our programs include the Tiger Woods Learning Center, a one-of-a-kind educational facility custom-built for the underserved youth of Southern California; Tiger's Action Plan, nationwide curricula based on goal-setting, career exploration and self-discovery through service learning; and the Earl Woods Scholarship program, which offers a four-year college scholarship to hard-working students with demonstrated financial need and proven commitment to community service. Through our events and programs, the Foundation is making a positive, lasting impact on many young lives and we're very proud of these confident and inspired young people."

To preserve the legacy of the unprecedented and heroic work of the men and women who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives ("MFAA") section, known as "Monuments Men," during World War II, by raising public awareness of the importance of protecting and safeguarding civilization's most important artistic and cultural treasures from armed conflict, while incorporating these expressions of man's greatest creative achievements into our daily lives. The Monuments Men respected the cultures of others. They risked their lives to preserve that culture. Two Monuments Men were killed in action protecting treasures. As a group the Monuments Men changed the course of history by returning more than 5 million cultural items after the war. Help us preserve the legacy of the Monuments Men and put it to use in protecting cultural treasures from future armed conflict.

"RJI Vision and Mission Reynolds Journalism Institute: Ideas. Experiments. Research. Solutions. 2009 The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) exists to develop and test ways to improve journalism through new technology and improved processes. In partnership with media organizations and nonprofits, RJI delivers technological and strategic innovations in journalism and advertising. RJI was launched in 2004 with an initial grant of $31 million from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation . In conjunction with the centennial celebration of the Missouri School of Journalism, it officially dedicated its world headquarters in September 2008. This 50,000 square-foot facility on the University of Missouri campus has state-of-the-art resources to test and demonstrate new technologies, experiment with convergence news production and delivery systems, and conduct real-time and virtual seminars and conferences. RJI's work crosses diverse specialties within journalism, including media convergence, editorial content and methods, the evolution of advertising, innovation in management and the impact of new technologies. It also includes varied fields on campus such as law, computer science, marketing, education and other disciplines. The vision The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute is a world-class center for researching and testing new models of journalism in this era of technological advances. RJI makes the most of its location in a premier, hands-on journalism school at a research-extensive university and the collective creativity of visiting professionals and researchers. It assumes a leading position among centers devoted to journalism and media studies. Exterior view of the new RJI building on 9th Street in Columbia, MO. The mission The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute engages media professionals, scholars and other citizens in programs aimed at improving the practice and understanding of journalism in democratic soc

"The Division of Graduate Education (DGE) leads the National Science Foundation's efforts to attract the most talented US students into graduate studies, and to support them in their quest to become the leading scientists and engineers of the future. In the past year, DGE supported approximately 4500 students in graduate programs in the various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields"