AbbVie and North Chicago Public Schools Announce $350,000 Grant to Advance Math Education

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie, one of the nation's largest biopharmaceutical companies, and the North Chicago public schools announce a $350,000 grant for math education.  The grant will enable educators to strengthen and reinforce the math curriculum for students (K-8) in the district and assist in the implementation of an engaging, common core aligned curriculum designed to increase both the educator and student understanding of and proficiency in mathematics.

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"This generous donation will aid curriculum improvement to help teachers and their students achieve greater competency and understanding of mathematics," said Ben Martindale, chief education officer, North Chicago Public Schools.  "As we continue our efforts to increase student achievement, garnering additional support from local businesses like AbbVie is important so that we can continue to invest in the resources that will help solidify our long-term goals of academic success for our students."

The school district will use the donation to invest in curriculum materials, obtain coaching support for math instructors and initiate a math curriculum in the district that is in line with the Illinois Common Core State Standards initiative (CCSS).  The grant will also provide related technology upgrades, digital and hardcopy access to textbooks including teacher editions and assessment kits for all grade levels.

"We have been a part of this community for many years. AbbVie is committed to supporting education to narrow the achievement gap in North Chicago," said Tracie Haas, vice president, corporate responsibility, AbbVie.  "A deep understanding of the basic concepts of math is essential to understanding science.  Only by strengthening the math skills of students will we develop the next generation of leading scientists."

About North Chicago Public Schools

North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 serves students and their families living in the North Chicago and the Great Lakes communities.  The district serves more than 3,700 students, employs 260 certified staff and operates nine schools which provide comprehensive instructional programming for pre-kindergarten through high school.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. In 2013, AbbVie employs approximately 21,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

SOURCE AbbVie Inc.