SEATTLE - November 13, 2007 - Giant Campus, the nationally recognized leader in 21st century skill development, today announced that its community-based technology programs offered at MacDill and Nellis Air Force Bases (AFB) and the Fort Lewis Army Post received another boost of support and funding from the federal government.
Thanks to its long-standing service at MacDill, Nellis and Fort Lewis, Giant Campus and its highly-rated program have become important staples for tens of thousands of military families, retirees, active-duty Soldiers, reservists and DoD civilians.
"We have seen our programs, and the demand for them, just grow and grow," said retired Army Lt. Col. Dr. Phil Upperman, northern regional director of military programs for Giant Campus. "It's because we make ourselves so accessible to these communities. That's the beauty of what we do here at the military installations - we can provide training for nearly everyone through so many different offerings, which leads to an improved quality of life for these military families."
For the next budget year, Fort Lewis Army Post and Nellis AFB will receive $1.6 million each, and MacDill AFB $800,000 for technology educational programming.
To prepare all generations for the 21st century, Giant Campus provides a vast menu of programs at the installations that range from online and on-site courses, in addition to their highly acclaimed Cybercamps program (youth technology camps). There's also special offerings, such as MacDill's CyberSenior Workshops at FAMCAMP, which educates senior citizens on a variety of tech skills including how they can communicate with their loved ones who are deployed.
"We are not just teaching what Microsoft Word or Excel is," said retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bob Haunton, southern regional director of military programs for Giant Campus. "We are incorporating information and issues that are important to these populations into the curriculum. As a result, we found that they retain their technology skills at a higher level."
At Nellis AFB, Giant Campus has developed a custom mobile lab - outfitted with powerful laptops and software - that can bring high-quality technology programs to anyone, anywhere within the Base. Meanwhile, MacDill's community can find technology training at several venues, including the Base's Family Resource Center in Brandon, Fla., the library and Youth and School Age Centers. More than 10,000 people at MacDill have enjoyed Giant Campus' programs.
In addition, a robust catalog of courses is offered at the Fort Lewis Army Post, both online and at the Post's permanent computer labs. Nearly 20,000 people at the Post have learned new skills through Giant Campus' offerings.
From supporting the Youth Services Boys & Girls and 4H clubs to working with local schools, creating partnerships within each of the installation's communities is a key component of Giant Campus' continued success.
"As we continue to serve military families at MacDill, Nellis and Fort Lewis year after year, it's wonderful to see that our Federal officials recognize that Giant Campus is vital member of these communities," said Pete Findley, chief executive officer of Giant Campus. "Whether we are helping Reservists prepare for their next careers, or teaching local children the 21st century skills they need for the future, this federal funding means our programs will continue to enrich the lives of thousands."
About Giant Campus
Giant Campus is an education and learning-experience company that empowers individuals with 21st century skills to help them to contribute and succeed in a global community. With more than 3 million learners worldwide, and an excess of 1 million hours of in-person instruction, Giant Campus is working to develop the most effective methodology for creating, delivering and assessing learning. The Giant Campus suite of online education and youth products is delivered in a variety of environments, including K-12 school classrooms, U.S. military installations, university-hosted summer computer programs, the federal government, private companies and online. Giant Campus is a four-time honoree of Washington CEO magazine's Best Companies to Work For award, winning top honors in 2000 and finishing in the Top 10 for 2004, 2005 and 2006. For more information, visit www.giantcampus.com.