SHERMAN SECURES FUNDING FOR VALLEY SCHOOLS

[Washington, D.C.] – Congressman Brad Sherman announced eight hundred thousand dollars in combined federal funds to teach entertainment technology in Valley schools. The funds are directed at HighTechHigh, a nonprofit organization focusing on providing Valley students with real world technological skills and a college preparatory curriculum, and an entertainment engineering technology program at California State University at Northridge (CSUN).

At Sherman’s request, HighTechHigh, the first school of its kind in Los Angeles to incorporate cutting edge technology training into secondary education, will receive $450,000. HighTechHigh is located on the campus of Birmingham High School.

"School age children today often have a greater understanding of computer technology and application than teachers and parents, and many of them are not being challenged in their classrooms," Sherman said. "HighTechHigh will connect high school students and teachers to learning opportunities and resources in the changing world of technology, reaching beyond a traditional school’s capability."

California State University at Northridge will receive $400,000 for a new entertainment engineering curriculum designed to teach the revolutionary technological advances now being employed by the entertainment industry in such movies as Toy Story, Shrek, and Stuart Little.

"The U.S. leads the world in entertainment technology and graphic design, but that position of distinction can only be maintained through a strong partnership with industry and colleges to produce the best engineering and design talent for tomorrow. CSUN’s program exemplifies this model of cooperation," said Sherman.

Sherman’s requests were included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill which, once signed by the President, will determine federal spending for the remainder of the fiscal year, ending September 30, 2003.

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