IBM Corp. announced Sept. 20 it is awarding $1.3 million in early childhood education improvement grants of technology, services and cash to five U.S. states whose early education programs have been recognized as “exemplary” by the federal government.
The recipients include Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina and Rhode Island, all of whom have received funding from the U.S. Department of Education under its $500 million Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge competitive grant program.
The Department of Education has encouraged researchers, entrepreneurs, foundations, nonprofits and other private entities to team with states that have demonstrated strong early learning programs, with Armonk-based IBM responding with a three-year commitment to provide grants to states that have secured Race to the Top funding.
The grants include IBM’s KidSmart Young Explorer computer learning centers and Reading Companion, a technology specifically designed to assist children as they learn to read.
For some states recognized with Race to the Top grants, IBM is also providing installation and training to correspond with the donated technology systems.
