Blackbaud Reveals Top Trends in Nonprofit Technology

Blackbaud Reveals Top Trends in Nonprofit Technology

Expanding networks and diversifying fundraising efforts are among the most popular tactics for nonprofits.

Charleston, SC (Vocus/PRWEB) January 20, 2011

Nonprofit organizations are turning to technology to aid them in the reinvention and evaluation of fundraising programs; a growing trend according to a report of Top Technology Trends released today by Blackbaud. The white paper created by Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB), the leading global provider of software and related services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, will serve as a resource to nonprofit organizations that are planning on reinvigorating their fundraising plans in the coming year. Top Technology Trends was developed to offer insight on the impact of technology and how it relates to expanding networks and platforms; diversifying fundraising efforts; and enriching the composition and meaning of data.

“We think it is very important to share fundraising technology trends with the nonprofit community, yet the fundamentals familiar to any fundraiser still apply,” said Kristen Fulks, Blackbaud principal consultant and co-author of the paper. “With the ever-demanding challenges of the economy and other influences, it is even more critical to get donors engaged faster, rather than just using technology for technology’s sake.”
Highlights from Blackbaud’s Top Technology Trends include:

-- Technology is a crucial tool in delivering accurate, up-to-date information about prospects and donors in real-time across departments. Information consumers, both internal and external, will come to expect access to data in line with progressive forums, such as mobile, cloud-based tools. Nonprofits should expect mobile-powered major giving applications that provide constituent data on the go to become widely used in the coming years.

-- The web continues to grow as a primary channel for messaging and communicating an organization’s mission. Based on an audience and its needs, nonprofit websites will increasingly offer virtual opportunities for education, conversations, community, and stewardship, tailored to the user’s level of engagement with the organization.

-- The best fundraisers are those who ask their personal network for support. No one can promote an organization better than those who already believe in the mission and have a built-in network of high-propensity prospects. Tools to localize and personalize fundraising through independent fundraising events and other network-based fundraising tools – while retaining efficiencies and economies of scale associated with centralized systems – will be key.

-- Social remains an evolving medium and is best deployed as part of a comprehensive, mission-based strategy, although many organizations have found new constituencies who respond to this channel exclusively. Social networks provide the ability to communicate a mission and message to a large group, serving as a supplementary or primary acquisition channel. Nonprofits can deliver updates and announcements while leveraging a network of supporters for a tangible return on investment.

“Determining where technology can best complement an organization’s mission, also helps to establish the best use of resources; from staff, funding, board, donor, and otherwise,” said Bo Crader, principal consultant at Blackbaud and co-author of Top Technology Trends. “With the proliferation and divergence of technology readily available in the past few years, it is even more important for organizations to be fluent with trends in the market and their potential fit within their organization and strategies.”

Read Top Technology Trends and get access to a library of free nonprofit resources at http://www. blackbaud. com/resources.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 24,000 organizations — including The American Red Cross, Boston University, Cancer Research UK, The Taft School, Lincoln Center, The Salvation Army, Tulsa Community Foundation, Ursinus College, Earthjustice, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the WGBH Educational Foundation — use one or more Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, website management, direct marketing, education administration, ticketing, business intelligence, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud’s sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit http://www. blackbaud. com.
Media Contact:

Melanie Mathos
Blackbaud
Melanie. mathos (at) blackbaud (dot) com
843.216.6200 x3307 
Source: Blackbaud

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organizations; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www. sec. gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Imagine America foundation Releases 2010 Fact Book: A Profile of Career Colleges and Universities

Imagine America foundation Releases 2010 Fact Book: A Profile of Career Colleges and Universities

The truth about the impact of America’s career colleges has been sorely missing from recent Senate hearings involving the practices of “for-profit” schools. Just as the career education sector is once again about to take center stage on Capitol Hill, the Imagine America Foundation has released its annual Fact Book, which presents some compelling research that provides a clear picture of the nation’s career colleges and how the labor force is impacted by its graduates.

Washington, D. C. (Vocus) September 27, 2010

The truth about the impact of America’s career colleges has been sorely missing from recent Senate hearings involving the practices of “for-profit” schools. Just as the career education sector is once again about to take center stage on Capitol Hill, the Imagine America Foundation has released its annual Fact Book, which presents some compelling research that provides a clear picture of the nation’s career colleges and how the labor force is impacted by its graduates.

The Imagine America Foundation’s 2010 Fact Book: A Profile of Career Colleges and Universities compares public institutions with private two - and four-year colleges, and features more than 50 pages of research and analysis. The research compiled by JBL Associates, Inc. is broken out into critical areas of impact, presenting data on enrollment, student benefits and outcomes, career college student profiles, default rates, return on investment statistics, and job opportunities for graduates.

“The overall picture of career colleges that the Fact Book creates is one of a vitally important sector of education that fulfills a valuable role in supplying skilled labor to the American work force and offering opportunities to minorities that would otherwise be hard to come by,” said Robert L. Martin, President of the Imagine America Foundation.

More than 2.6 million students were enrolled in career colleges during the 2008-2009 academic year. And, about 42 percent of all career institutions participated in Title IV student aid programs. The career college sector serves a diverse student body, and is more likely than the non-profit sector to serve students who are independent, have incomes in the lowest quartile, have parents with an education below the high school level, and are racial or ethnic minorities.

While questions about the value of career education has permeated media reports and Senate hearing testimony, the Fact Book shows that career colleges make a tremendous difference in the lives of its graduates, especially those who are minority or female:
 Fifty-eight percent of all Hispanic students and almost half (49 percent) of all African American students who received certificates in 2008-09 earned them at a career college.  Forty-seven percent of all female students and 28 percent of all male students who received certificates in 2008-09 earned them at a career college.  Twenty-four percent of all African American students and 18 percent of all Hispanic students who received Associate degrees in 2008-09 earned them at a career college.

The numbers are just as inspiring on the job front as graduates from career colleges face better opportunities for employment than those students graduating from traditional colleges and universities, particularly in the health, technology and business fields. Career colleges provide training for many of these occupations.

 One-fourth of career college students are enrolled in high-growth fields, and three-quarters of career college graduates find employment upon graduation.  Forty-four percent of career college students are enrolled in high-growth fields, compared with public (18 percent) and private, not-for-profit (13 percent) institutions.  Seventy-six percent of career college students who completed an award in 2005 were employed directly following graduation.

The Fact Book also explores the return on investment for taxpayer dollars that fund a career education for some students. According to the research, career college students repay the public cost of their education within five years after graduation and provide an 18 percent annual net return on investment for each public tax dollar spent. Career colleges have been estimated to have an annual total economic impact of $38.6 billion.

On average, it costs taxpayers about $28,072 to enroll a public college student for two years, based on an average annual tuition of $3,233; average annual expenditures of $13,829; average annual local, state and federal grants of $2,110; and average annual loans of $1,330 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student. But comparatively, it costs taxpayers $13,372 to fund a student at a two-year career school or college, assuming average local, average annual state and federal grants of $3,931 and average annual loans of $2,755 per FTE student.

These are a few of the most compelling facts in the Imagine America Foundation’s 2010 Fact Book. For more information about the Foundation’s Fact Book or to request copies, please contact the Foundation at scholarships(at)imagine-america(dot)org or 202.336.6800.

About the Imagine America Foundation
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF), established in 1982, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships for education, research and training support for the career college sector. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided over $40 million in scholarship and award support for graduating high school seniors, adult learners and U. S. military personnel attending career colleges nationwide through its award-winning Imagine America® programs. The Foundation also publishes vital research publications for the higher education sector, honors achievement in career education and offers faculty development training. For more information about the Imagine America Foundation’s programs, please visit http://www. imagine-america. org.

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GMetrix Launches Practice Tests for Microsoft Office 2007 Certification

GMetrix Launches Practice Tests for Microsoft Office 2007 Certification

GMetrix has released its Microsoft Office 2007 practice tests and web-based, skills management system for the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist® Program. Additionally, GMetrix has partnered with Impact Learning to be its North American distributor.

American Fork, UT (PRWEB) February 28, 2008

GMetrix today announced the launch of their new Microsoft Certified Application Specialist® (MCAS) Practice Tests and Skills Management System for Microsoft Office 2007® in both English and Spanish. The MCAS practice tests are part of the GMetrix Skills Management System (GMetrixSMS), a comprehensive, web-based, skills management environment for teachers and corporate trainers. With the tremendous demand for individuals who can prove their skills in Microsoft Office, there is a growing need for high-quality assessment tools which enable students and business professionals to measure their skill level and preparedness for undertaking the MCAS exam. GMetrixSMS provides both learners and instructors with the tools they need to prepare most effectively for mastering the required concepts and achieving the MCAS certification.

The GMetrix MCAS practice tests and training are currently available for Microsoft Word 2007®, Microsoft Excel 2007®, Microsoft PowerPoint 2007®, and Microsoft Access 2007®. Practice tests for Microsoft Outlook 2007® and Microsoft Windows Vista® will be available soon.

In addition, GMetrix announced that it has signed Impact Learning, a leading provider of corporate assessments in North America, as its launch partner for the GMetrixSMS. Starting immediately, Impact Learning will represent GMetrix as a Platinum Solution Provider for the United States and Canada. This partnership provides an ideal channel for the distribution of the GMetrix Skills Management System to both corporate and academic customers. "We have been working closely with GMetrix for a number of months on developing a product that meets the requirements of our customers," said Vickie Brow, CEO of Impact Learning. "We are very excited about the product GMetrix has created and look forward to helping individuals and organizations measure, improve, and validate proficiency in the Microsoft Office 2007 applications."

GMetrix works with partners throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North and South America to provide educational tools designed to prepare individuals for the effective use of technology in the business environment. Additionally, GMetrix is currently the exclusive distribution partner of Wiley & Sons Publishing for Microsoft Official Academic Curriculum (MOAC) in Latin American and Germany.

Contact Information:
For GMetrix (http://www. gmetrix. com): Thor Christianson, 801-434-8033
For Impact Learning (http://www. impact-learning. com): Vickie Brow, 435-849-1719, info@impact-learning. com

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Companies Worldwide Provide Fast, Effective Customer Service Online With Netop Live Guide

Companies Worldwide Provide Fast, Effective Customer Service Online With Netop Live Guide

New version of communication solution launches.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 14, 2010

Netop Solutions (http://www. netop. com) has launched a new edition of its premier communication solution, Netop Live Guide, which makes it possible to communicate personally via websites with chat, audio and video. Companies and organizations can offer customer service online and provide assistance via computer, telephone using only an Internet connection.

"With Netop Live Guide, a single click on a Website opens a connection between the customer and employee. The individual's question is resolved with direct and personalized communication, and without waiting. This benefits the customer, who wishes to complete a purchase, and the company, as it is an efficient solution with minimal administration required," said Kurt Bager, CEO, Netop Solutions.

Companies using Netop Live Guide reveal that customer service via chat is up to six times more effective than telephone support. A single service employee can handle multiple chat conversations at the same time, while the telephone only enables one-on-one communications. Companies gain a clear advantage by saving money on the bottom line and their customers receive fast, efficient support.

It is also possible to provide proactive customer service. If a Website visitor is idle for a period of time, an employee will pop up in a small window and offer to help. With permission, the employee can even take over the visitor's mouse and keyboard and provide assistance as if they were sitting next to each other.

"Netop Live Guide helps companies communicate quickly and efficiently with visitors to their Websites, and transforms Web surfers into customers," added Bager. "Netop Live Guide helps to sell more and to secure more satisfied customers and users."

All communication via Netop Live Guide is secure and user-friendly. The solution is based on Adobe Flash Player and functions on all computers without requiring additional downloads or extra equipment. The new Netop Live Guide supports the company's overall commitment to ensuring that its software solutions function on all commonly used operating systems.

Netop Live Guide is delivered ready-to-use via Internet, requires no maintenance and is hosted by Netop Solutions.

Gentofte Municipality uses Netop Live Guide

At the beginning of 2009, Gentofte Municipality, a town north of Copenhagen in Denmark, opened a chat solution on the front page of its Web site.

When a citizen clicks on a banner with the headline "We are online", a new window opens with a picture of an employee who says them "Welcome." Then, the user selects the subject of the inquiry. A portrait appears of the employee the user has direct personal contact with, and the employee presents himself/herself by name.

If the user does not select a specific subject, the chat appears and an employee asks, "How can I assist you?"

"We want to communicate just as personally via the Website as when a citizen makes a personal inquiry at the city hall. And we achieve this goal with Netop Live Guide," said digitalization consultant Donna Schnell of Gentofte Municipality.

Apollo Travels uses Netop Live Guide

Apollo Travel, located in Copenhagen, is one of Denmark's largest tour operators and they stand for the broadest charter concept with more than 1,600 hotels in 48 destinations in 28 countries. The company receives many inquiries from customers who use its Websites to book their vacations. Most inquiries are specific questions about the conditions at the destination, available hotels or excursions.

In the past, customers had to call or send an e-mail to get this information. This resulted in a delay before customers received answers to questions that are often critical to their decision about whether to purchase a trip.

"In 2009 we began offering chat with Netop Live Guide. With the chat function, the customer gains contact within 30 seconds and he or she typically receives a complete answer immediately," said team manager Kim Johansen of Apollo Travels.
Apollo Travels receives about 30 chat inquiries daily.

"We get a lot of praise from our guests, who sometimes also use the chat function to contact us while they are on their holiday," said Johansen.

Apollo Travels plans to give customers the option of chatting directly with the tour guides at selected travel destinations.

About Netop Solutions A/S

Netop develops and sells software solutions that enable swift, secure and seamless transfer of video, screens, sounds and data between two or more computers over the Internet. The company has three business areas, Administration, Education and Communication.

Netop's unique and cost-saving Administration solutions make life easier for IT professionals with Remote Control and IT Asset Management. With the market-leading solutions for Education classroom management and corporate e-learning, Netop helps students and teachers to achieve optimum results through virtual education. Netop Communication solutions let customers, partners and colleagues meet easily and safely in the virtual space via chat, video and audio over the Internet.

Netop employs 142 people and has subsidiaries in the United States, Great Britain, Romania and Switzerland. The company sells its solutions to public and private clients in more than 80 countries. Netop Solutions A/S shares are listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange OMX. In 2008 Netop Solutions had a total revenue of DKK 92.1m. Read more at: www. netop. com.

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Outskirts Press Announces 'Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency', the Latest Highly-Anticipated Mathematics/Algebra book From Orange, CA Author Susan Mercer

Outskirts Press Announces 'Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency', the Latest Highly-Anticipated Mathematics/Algebra book From Orange, CA Author Susan Mercer

Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency: 30 Puzzles and Mini-Lessons designed with the pre-teen in mind by Susan Mercer, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 8.25 x 11 Paperback in the Mathematics/Algebra category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $14.95. The webpage at www. outskirtspress. com/pathwaytoprealgebraproficiency was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

Denver, CO/Orange, CA (PRWEB) January 30, 2008

Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency: 30 Puzzles and Mini-Lessons designed with the pre-teen in mind by Susan Mercer, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 8.25 x 11 Paperback in the Mathematics/Algebra category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $14.95. The webpage at www. outskirtspress. com/pathwaytoprealgebraproficiency (http://www. outskirtspress. com/pathwaytoprealgebraproficiency) was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

About the Book (Excerpts & Info)

No more boring math problems guaranteed to make students "zone out." Here's an out of the ordinary collection of pre-algebra puzzles and accompanying mini-lessons designed to help preteens gain knowledge of integers, solving equations, percents, expressions, powers and square roots while having fun. Whether used for practice, review, or homework, Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency is the perfect way for teachers to motivate middle school students.

With each puzzle come clues--from easy to challenging--and all puzzles are grouped by topic, not difficulty. The mini-lessons, specific to each puzzle, can be completed in ten to twenty minutes. There's even a word bank to assist English Language Learners and special needs students.

Look inside the book at www. supermathunits. com/book (http://www. supermathunits. com/book )

Deftly constructed at 76 pages, Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency: 30 Puzzles and Mini-Lessons designed with the pre-teen in mind is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the Mathematics - Algebra category. With U. S. wholesale distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and pervasive online availability through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency meets consumer demand through both retail and library markets with a suggested retail price of $14.95.

Additionally, Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency can be ordered by retailers or wholesalers for the maximum trade discount price set by the author in quantities of ten or more from the Outskirts Press wholesale online bookstore at www. outskirtspress. com/buybooks (http://www. outskirtspress. com/buybooks)

ISBN: 9781432717193 Format: 8.25 x 11 Paperback SRP: $14.95

For more information or to contact the author, visit www. outskirtspress. com/pathwaytoprealgebraproficiency (http://www. outskirtspress. com/pathwaytoprealgebraproficiency )

About the Author

Susan Mercer is currently an intermediate math curriculum specialist for nine middle schools in Santa Ana, California. She has spent the last fourteen years teaching, presenting, writing, and developing math resources specifically for English Language Learners, special education and low math skill students in grades 5 through 8. She has presented at national, state, and regional math conferences, and has conducted numerous site-specific professional development seminars for the teachers she serves. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mercer received her B. S. in Computer and Information Science from the University of Buenos Aires. She moved to California to work on her Masters in Education and teaching credential at Chapman University.

About Outskirts Press, Inc.

Outskirts Press, Inc. offers turn-key, full-service, custom self-publishing for authors seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining all their rights and full creative control. In 2007, the Denver Business Journal recognized Outskirts Press as the 3rd fastest-growing privately-held company in Colorado, with a growth rate of 1,560% since 2004. Available for authors globally at www. outskirtspress. com and located on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado, Outskirts Press represents the future of book publishing, today.

Outskirts Press, Inc., 10940 S. Parker Rd - 515, Parker, Colorado 80134
Http://outskirtspress. com (http://outskirtspress. com) 1-888-OP-BOOKS

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PA State Nurses Association to Launch 2006 National Nursing Awareness Campaign

PA State Nurses Association to Launch 2006 National Nursing Awareness Campaign

To Celebrate the Annual National Nurses Week (May 6-12), nursing associations have cominbed efforts to market nursing awareness. They will be offering "Celebrate Nursing" magnets for vehicles.

Harrisburg, PA (PRWEB) February 9, 2006

To honor and celebrate the critical role that Pennsylvania Registered Nurses play in delivering quality healthcare across the state, “Celebrate Nursing” awareness ribbon vehicle magnets will be made available to promote positive awareness of nursing profession just in time for National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2006. This year’s National Nurses Week theme is “Nurses: Strength, Commitment, Compassion”.

The PA State Nurses Association will participate in a national promotion to build awareness for the nursing profession through the use of the very popular awareness ribbon vehicle magnets.

Various nursing associations will be offering the ten-inch “Celebrate Nursing” awareness vehicle magnets in an effort to educate the public on the important role registered nurses play in delivering quality healthcare. In addition, this campaign is part of a larger effort to establish a unified voice for the nursing profession as part of National Nurses Week (May 6-12).

Pennsylvania, Idaho, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Montana, and Missouri are among the first state nursing associations kicking off the national campaign. Last year’s awareness bracelets were a smashing success with more than 65,000 sold.

“Celebrate Nursing” awareness ribbon magnets will be offered in apricot, the color historically associated with nursing in academic settings. The magnets (actual size: 5 7/8” x 10”) will sell for $2.00 each, not including tax and shipping costs. The magnets may be purchased online at www. panurses. org, or by calling 888-707-7762. (On-line ordering system will be active beginning Feb. 1, 2006). An order form can also be downloaded from the website, for individuals who prefer to fax or mail their orders to the Association. It will take approximately 15 business days to process orders.

Profits from the sale of “Celebrate Nursing” ribbon magnets go to support each state’s nursing association’s efforts in advocating the profession at their local level.

This campaign is working to create a higher level of interest and works toward long-term growth in the nursing community. For information on PA State Nurses Association, please visit the website: www. panurses. org.

PA State Nurses Association relies upon financial support of various activities including fund raisers and sponsorships throughout the year to underwrite programs. Please help make the PA State Nurses Association a success by printing multiple copies of the order form and posting the form on the bulletin boards at the office or your academic institution. No matter how small your investment is, we appreciate and acknowledge that all funding is very important.

ABOUT THE PA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION

The PA State Nurses Association is a nonprofit member-supported association representing the over 200,000 registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The PA State Nurses Association works to advance the profession of nursing through education, advocacy, practice, and legislation. PA State Nurses is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association and is the official voice for nursing in Pennsylvania. Visit www. panurses. org for more information.

Style Guide References: PA State Nurses Association

The official long form of the association name is “PA State Nurses Association”, but may also be written as “Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.” For almost all purposes, it is appropriate to use the short for of the association name as “PA Nurses”.

When writing a reference to the association, it should be referenced as “the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association”, “The PA state Nurses Association” followed by “PA Nurses” or “the PA Nurses” or “The Association.”

DO NOT refer to the association as “PA Nurses Association”, “The PA Nurses Association,” “PSNA” or “PNA”.

DO NOT refer to the association in terms such as “organization,” “operation” or “company”.

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Realityworks, Inc. Donates Products Totaling More Than $245,000 to Benefit Schools in Wisconsin, Idaho, Connecticut and Oklahoma

Realityworks, Inc. Donates Products Totaling More Than $245,000 to Benefit Schools in Wisconsin, Idaho, Connecticut and Oklahoma

Firm donates ySTART curriculum and PreventPak addiction simulators – critical components for teaching students about the dangers of teen smoking

Eau Claire, Wis. (PRWEB) January 20, 2010

Realityworks, Inc., developer of real-life, interactive educational products, recently made targeted donations of the firms’ ySTART™ curriculum and addiction simulation technology to benefit a number of school districts and educational organizations in Wisconsin, Idaho, Connecticut, and Oklahoma.

YSTART is a dynamic educational program that uses cognitive, social and behavioral psychology to train young people how to say “no” to tobacco and the peer pressure to smoke. It is targeted for youth ages 10 and up, when they are most susceptible to the increasing influence of peers and the media.

The curriculum that accompanies the ySTART program was written by a U. S. award-winning health teacher who collaborated with Realityworks engineers to integrate a hand-held device – the PreventPak™ – into the program’s lessons. The PreventPak electronic simulator immerses young people in a tobacco addiction, and provides them an opportunity to face peer pressure and build and use refusal experiences that really brings the topic to life.

The donations have a retail value of more than $245,000, and will benefit more than 100 school districts according to Timmothy Boettcher, president of Realityworks, Inc. “Realityworks has had a history of measuring our impact by how many lives are changed in positive ways, and how profoundly they are changed as a result of our efforts,” Boettcher says. “These donations are simply another way Realityworks and its employees are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children every year.”

The schools and organizations were selected as recipients based on proactive use of tobacco-prevention technology in the past, and their commitment to building important programs to help young people make healthy choices in the future as well.

The donation of the ySTART curriculum and technology are the result of philanthropic efforts of the firm’s founders, Rick and Mary Jurmain, and the company’s board of directors. School districts throughout Wisconsin and Idaho, as well as specific schools in Connecticut and Oklahoma recently received donated products from the firm’s ySTART program.

For more information on the ySTART program or other Realityworks educational simulation technology, curricula, and other educational solutions please visit www. realityworks. com or call Realityworks at 1-800-830-1416.

About Realityworks, Inc.
Realityworks, Inc. is the leader in education simulation technology – providing life-changing, interactive educational products since 1994. Its award-winning products provide students with realistic learning experiences, and are used by educators in Career and Technical Education, Family and Consumer Science and Health courses, as well as in other instructional settings worldwide. For more information, visit www. realityworks. com, or call toll free at 1-800-830-1416.

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