GTE presented a total of $750,000 to George Mason University and three other Virginia universities on March 2 to fuel a statewide technology literacy initiative. The goal is to equip the Virginia work force with the high-tech skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-oriented economy.

The two-year project, a collaboration between GTE and the National Institute for Literacy, creates a partnership between George Mason, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Commonwealth University that will promote literacy at all levels, eventually making the Virginia work force a national model in technology literacy.

"There has always been an emphasis on the knowledge base of our students, but less of a commitment and fewer resources devoted to ensuring they have the proper skills to compete in the work force," says President Alan Merten. "Literacy in technology is a required skill for success not only in the workplace, but in the community, and this partnership will help us prepare our students with that skill."

Mason's portion of the funds, $175,000, will go to the Graduate School of Education (GSE) to develop programs that promote technology literacy. "The Northern Virginia information economy demands a work force of lifelong learners," says Gary Galluzzo, dean of GSE. "Th is grant will help George Mason continue its contributions to the growth of our region."