Johnna Pinholster
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA — Area schools will have a chance to enhance technology in their classrooms through a regional competition.
Windstream Corporation, which provides high-speed Internet and digital television services in 21 states, is hosting its second Classroom Connections competition.
Four $25,000 winners across the company’s 21-state coverage area will be announced in May. An additional 10 Spirit Award winners, who will earn $5,000, will be announced in September.
School systems able to participate in the program fall within Windstream’s coverage area, said James Benefield, Windstream’s area manager in Moultrie.
Local counties that can participate include Cook, Brooks, Clinch, Berrien and Colquitt counties.
“Classroom Connections is a program offered by Windstream and designed to improve technology in public schools within our operating area,” he said.
To enter, schools should complete an online application and submit a video detailing why they need monetary help in relation to technology, he said.
The deadline to enter March 19.
The content of the videos is up to the school or the teacher submitting the application, said Erin Ascione, marketing spokesperson for Windstream.
“The ones we got last year and have received so far this year have lots of kids in them,” she said.
After the four $25,000 winners are announced, the next top 30 applicants will be in the race for the Spirit Awards.
Finalists for the Spirit Award will have their videos placed on the Web site, and people will be able to go online and vote for their favorite school or favorite video, Ascione said.
“It’s all about giving students in our communities the opportunity to engage in a world class education,” Ascione said. “A lot of the communities we serve are rural and we want them to have the same type of opportunities that children in larger metropolitan areas have.”
The funds that are awarded have to be used for technology, Benefield said.
“It may be paying for Internet or new computers or even building a new computer room,” he said.
To enter Classroom Connections or learn more, visit windstream.com/classroom.
