Kepware Donation Provides Elementary Students with Tools to Bolster Technical Education

PORTLAND, Maine, April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Kepware Technologies, a software development company focused on communications for automation, today announced a $10,600 donation to the Farrington School, an elementary school in Augusta, Maine. With its headquarters in Portland, Kepware is committed to the advancement of technical education both in the state of Maine and abroad. Kepware's donation will enable the Farrington School to procure 25 laptops for one of its fourth grade classrooms in need.

"Given Kepware's existing support of STEM programs and opportunities for children from middle school through college, we knew this was the perfect next step," said Tony Paine, CEO, Kepware. "Although people frequently talk about the issue of technical education as it relates to older students, it is essential to build a strong foundation of technical skills at an early age if the next generation of students is going to compete in and contribute to the technical industries."

Prior to the donation, students could only utilize a shared lab of equipment for one hour a week and sign out laptops as they were available. Kepware was contacted about the issue by Jessica Walling, teacher of the recipient class, who reached out to Paine to see if Kepware could help alleviate the technology gap.

"With limited access to computers, the students did not have enough time to develop foundational computer skills that are crucial in today's highly competitive world," said Walling. "Because of Kepware's donation, there are enough laptops so that each fourth grade student will have access to their own computer. This 1:1 computer access will provide invaluable exposure to technologies they need to understand and use throughout the rest of their education and careers."

Moved by Walling's message, Kepware decided to make the grant the first of an annual program in which Maine elementary school classrooms can apply to receive a similar donation. Kepware will reveal more about the grant program in January 2015 when submissions open for the 2015-2016 school year.

Kepware also demonstrates its support for engineering education in Maine through its annual Summer Internship Program, which offers four full-time internships to students within the field of engineering. The company recently announced another donation to the University of Maine, Orono's Electrical Engineering Technology Program for over $30,000 in software.

About Kepware Technologies

Kepware Technologies is a private software development company headquartered in Portland, Maine. Kepware provides a portfolio of software solutions to help businesses connect diverse automation devices and software applications. From plant floor to wellsite to windfarm, Kepware serves a wide range of customers in a variety of international vertical markets including Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Building Automation, Power Distribution, and more. Established in 1995 and now distributed in more than 100 countries, Kepware's software solutions help thousands of businesses improve operations and decision making.

Learn more at www.kepware.com, and take an inside look at the company and its culture through the Kepware Corporate Overview video available here. 

Media Contact:
Ryan Lilly
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SOURCE Kepware Technologies