Press Releases

WYOMING AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM RECEIVES GRANT FROM QWEST FOUNDATION

Virtual Reality Workshop Will Allow Teachers Statewide to Access Key Programs

The Qwest Foundation, Qwest Communications’ philanthropic program, has granted $5,000 to the Wyoming Agriculture In The Classroom (WAIC) program, which helps teachers incorporate awareness of agriculture and natural resources into their classrooms. The funding will help develop the Virtual Reality Workshop, an online continuing education course for teachers that will be available to all Wyoming school districts by 2006.

The Program
The Virtual Reality Workshop will allow (WAIC) to increase the reach to teachers throughout Wyoming. WAIC’s Virtual Reality Workshop program will include an estimated 400 research-based lessons that fulfill state and federal education standards. Teachers enrolled in the courses will have access to a virtual faculty room to exchange ideas and discuss solutions with other educators. They will complete course work through online journal entries, projects and a final strategy report. The final strategy report will include the number of hours they spent teaching the lessons, the number of students reached and a how they can continue to incorporate the curriculum into their future lesson plans.

Currently, WAIC fills this need through two “traveling” summer courses and workshops offered for University of Wyoming student-teachers. The Virtual Reality Workshop will allow teachers from every school district in Wyoming to participate and collaborate in the year-long course.

The Grant
Qwest’s grant of $5,000 will assist with the research and development of courses that will hone students’ academic skills in the areas of agriculture and natural resources. A core element of the Qwest Foundation is to support programs like this one that foster academic achievement and a connection with our history.

Timing
Pilot testing of the Virtual Reality Workshop is set to begin in January 2005. Half of Wyoming’s 44 school districts will be able to participate in the course beginning September 2005. All Wyoming school districts will have access to the program by September 2006.

Additional Resources
For more information about Wyoming Agriculture In The Classroom and the Virtual Reality Workshop, please visit www.wyomingagclassroom.org.

For additional information about the Qwest Foundation, please visit www.qwest.com/foundation.

About Wyoming Agriculture In The Classroom
Wyoming Agriculture In The Classroom (WAIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 educational organization. The program is supported by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, the Wyoming Beef Council, and private donations and grants. Wyoming Agriculture In The Classroom sponsor's projects for teachers and students in an effort to increase their understanding of agriculture's impact in today's world. WAIC offers teacher training, student educational materials, resource materials and summer workshops designed to offer a variety of educational opportunities for Wyoming schools.

About The Qwest Foundation
The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on K-12 education and economic development.

The Qwest Foundation's philosophy is to help build strong communities through investing in people and the places where they live and work. For more information, contact www.qwest.com/foundation.

About Qwest
Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services to more than 25 million customers. The company’s 46,000 employees are committed to the “Spirit of Service” and providing world-class services that exceed customers’ expectations for quality, value and reliability. For more information, please visit the Qwest Web site at www.qwest.com.

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