Illinois Institute of Technology to Provide More Than $2 Million in Scholarships to New Tech Network Students

CINCINNATI – (Dec. 6, 2010) – The Illinois Institute of Technology, or IIT, will offer up to 25 scholarships annually worth more than $17,000 a year to graduates of New Tech Network high schools, the Chicago-based university announced today.

Scholarships for students in New Tech high schools, marked by project-based learning in a 1:1 computing environment, will be awarded for undergraduate study in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as architecture, business and psychology. What’s more, students could receive a $2,500 annual housing scholarship and an additional $5,000 stipend for those accepted into a summer research program. IIT is a national, technological, Ph.D.-granting research university, with world-renowned programs in engineering, architecture, the sciences, humanities, psychology, business, law, and design.

Anne Buck, Principal at New Tech High@Zion-Benton East (Nt@ZB), believes this scholarship will afford her students the opportunity for an amazing education.

“Because of the generosity of The Illinois Institute of Technology, New Tech high school students will have the opportunity to attend a world-class university,” Buck said. “IIT will equip New Tech students with the skills necessary to be successful and productive professionals who are passionate about their life’s work.”

Gerald Doyle, vice provost for IIT, praised the partnership. “Illinois Institute of Technology is committed to preparing tomorrow’s leaders in STEM fields,” Doyle said. “We believe that the graduates of New Tech high schools represent the kinds of individuals who will become leaders dedicated to improving and advancing the human condition.”

The IIT/New Tech Network Scholarship program recognizes the significant contributions that the faculty and staff at all New Tech high schools have made toward ensuring a high level of math and science literacy among young people and inspiring the next generation of leaders in these fields of study. Almost half of the 62 New Tech schools have a STEM track or are designated STEM schools.

New Tech Network President Lydia Dobyns said she is eager to advance opportunities for New Tech students in the STEM fields.

“At a time when scholarship opportunities are shrinking for high school seniors, we couldn't be more pleased that the Illinois Institute of Technology stepped forward now with this significant scholarship offer that recognizes the amazing aptitude and success demonstrated by New Tech Network students,” Dobyns said. “This is a credit to the hundreds of teachers who have embraced the New Tech Network model, and we are as excited about their efforts being recognized as we are about the generosity of the scholarships for deserving students.”

Chad Wick, CEO of KnowledgeWorks, the parent organization of New Tech Network, said he hopes the partnership will yield long-term positive results for students and the IIT.“We are elated that IIT has recognized the value of the kind of learning found in our New Tech High schools by investing in the future of our kids through these scholarships,” Wick said. “The transition from project-based learning and collaboration in our high schools to a similar, rigorous learning environment at IIT will be seamless for our students and better prepare them for the careers of tomorrow."

Seeds for the scholarship were planted when IIT was invited for a student recruitment opportunity at NT@ZB in Illinois. In response to the student’s enthusiasm for IIT, New Tech was in turn invited to attend a “Discover IIT Day” at the IIT Chicago campus. NT@ZB students were extremely excited about the IIT learning environment, the professors and students they met, and the opportunities to engage in relevant and rigorous coursework and projects.

Doyle said IIT’s longstanding history has always included improving access and opportunity to undergraduate education. “We are delighted to forge an important new partnership with New Tech Network. Together our work should stand as an important sign of what is possible when institutions seek out new pathways to promote success for our young people.”

New Tech, founded in Napa, Calif., supports the start-up and implementation of innovative high schools marked by project-based learning in a technology-rich environment. There are now 62 New Tech High Schools in 14 states, and plans call for the rapid expansion of New Tech schools over the next five years. KnowledgeWorks integrated New Tech into its organization in October 2009.
New Tech Press Release January 2010
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About Illinois Institute of Technology: Illinois Institute of Technology’s mission is to provide distinctive and relevant education in an environment of scientific, technological, and professional knowledge creation and innovation. IIT is internationally recognized in distinctive areas of education and research, using as its platform the global city of Chicago, driven by a professional and technology-oriented focus, and based on a culture of innovation and excellence. Illinois Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

About New Tech Network:http://www.newtechnetwork.org/, is a school development organization that partners with districts and organizations to implement innovative high schools. New Tech Network is a proven model in its 14th year with 62 schools in rural, urban, and suburban locations throughout the country.

About KnowledgeWorks: KnowledgeWorks is bringing the future of learning to America’s high schools and creating widespread, lasting change in the communities and states we serve. Our portfolio of high school approaches includes New Tech Network high schools, EdWorks high school redesign, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Early College High Schools.