Newly Improved Jordan Fundamentals Website Offers Educators Nationwide Funding Opportunities for Their Classrooms

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE - News), today announced the launch of its newly improved Jordan Fundamental’s website, www.jordanfundamentals.com and the opening of its grant cycle for the 2009-2010 school year. Through Jordan Fundamentals, some of the country’s most dedicated educators will be awarded grants for their exceptional achievements and committed involvement in the education of today’s youth. This year’s application cycle opened on February 2 and will close at midnight EST on March 30. Not only are teachers able to apply themselves, but Jordan Brand encourages students to urge their teachers to download the grant application.
 
The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program was established in 1999 to recognize outstanding teaching and instructional creativity in public secondary schools that serve economically disadvantaged students. The Program awards $1 million annually to teachers across the country who motivate and inspire students toward achieving excellence. Since 1999, Jordan Fundamentals has presented more than $9 million in financial aid to public secondary school teachers.

There are two types of grants teachers can apply for, Innovation Grants are awarded to individual teachers for projects that will impact student engagement and improve classroom instruction, while Inspiration Grants are awarded to teams of teachers to support scaling-up the implementation of successful approaches developed with Innovation Grants. Previous awardees of Innovation Grants may apply for an Inspiration Grant. Applicants must be public school educators in middle or high schools in order to be eligible.

“The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program was born out of my firm belief that education is the key to opportunity and to building commitment among students to the core values which foster personal excellence and achievement,” says Michael Jordan. “These grants are intended to support teachers and provide access to additional resources that help students succeed.”

All Jordan Fundamentals grant recipients epitomize the traits illustrated in the Jordan Brand code by proving their worth every day. These individuals work harder than everyone else, exemplify performance, stay dedicated and live with passion. These industrious traits motivate students to go beyond expectations and achieve inside and outside the classroom.

“The Jordan Brand is thrilled to provide grants each year to teachers across the country with the means to enrich education in the classroom,” says Howard White, Jordan Brand Vice President. “We are proud to support both teachers and students who want to make a difference in their everyday life and in the public school system as a whole.”

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program is funded by the Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., and administered by COMPASS Consulting, a private non-profit educational consulting firm, helping schools and communities develop more effective and equitable interventions, approaches and systems to improve student results. To apply for a Jordan Fundamentals Grant and for additional information about the program, please visit www.jordanfundamentals.com.

About Jordan Brand

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products for both men and women. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers.

For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

Contact:
Jordan Brand
Terri Hines, 503-532-5862
Terri.Hines@NIKE.com
or
Dinusha Gooneratne, 503-671-3117
Dinusha.Gooneratne@NIKE.com

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Source: Jordan Brand