Knowledge and information are essential ingredients for societal development. Providing access to reliable technology helps prepare people for successful roles in today’s economy.

Click here to see what some schools are already doing on their own.

In order to ensure that no Illinois child is left on the wrong side of the digital divide, Lt. Governor Quinn and the Illinois State Board of Education created the Technology Immersion Pilot Project.

This new initiative will provide one to one educational technology learning programs in public schools across the state. The General Assembly has appropriated $5 million to launch the Technology Immersion Pilot Project in nine schools in seven schools districts in the 2006-2007 school year.

Participating schools will receive:

• Laptop computers for all participating students and classroom teachers
• Professional development opportunities for teachers
• Technical assistance for school based networks

Similar programs have achieved tremendous success throughout the country. Go to these websites to learn more about these programs.

• Maine Learning Technology Initiative
• Michigan Freedom to Learn
• Henrico County (Virginia)

The following school districts have been chosen for the initial pilot projects:

• Calhoun Community Unit District 40
• City of Chicago School District 299
• Community Consolidated School District 59 (Arlington Heights)
• Joliet Public School District 86
• Southeastern Community Unit School District 337 (Bowen)
• Springfield School District 186
• Woodstock Community Unit School District 200