Qwest Funding for Innovative Uses of Technology in Education in Idaho Classrooms Exceeds Half-Million Dollars

Qwest, soon to be CenturyLink, announced today that its commitment to fund innovative uses of technology in the classroom, administered through the Idaho State Department of Education, has resulted in a milestone. A recent donation of $75,000 brings the total amount funded to more than a half-million dollars invested over the course of eight years.

“Qwest recognized several years ago the value of teachers having access to technology in the classroom and as a result, have been helping teachers across Idaho raise student achievement through the innovative use of technology,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. “I am excited to continue this partnership as we work to create the 21st century classroom in every school across our great state.”

Last year’s grant recipients included Lena Whitmore and West Park Elementary in Moscow, where teacher Luella Stark was awarded $9,600 for programmable LEGO robots to teach math, science and engineering at both schools. In addition, Sunnyside Elementary’s Michelle Ball was awarded $6,900 for iPads and accessories to allow students in Idaho Falls to create presentations on planets, constellations and other space topics and Valley High School’s Sam Franklin in Hazelton used $8,900 for advanced graphing calculators.

“It is very rewarding to provide more than a half-million dollars for teachers to develop creative ways to be innovative with technology in the classroom,” said CenturyLink Idaho Vice President and General Manager Jim Schmit. “We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Idaho students and teachers through this wonderful program.”


Idaho teachers are invited to apply for the newly announced $75,000 in grants that are available from the Qwest Foundation to fund innovative technology projects. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2012.

~ Melissa M.