Optimum Lightpath Announces New Jersey Education Technology Conference and Grant Program

JERICHO, N.Y., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey schools are eager to continue advancing teaching and learning in the classroom, despite ongoing budget challenges. Optimum Lightpath^®, a market leader in Ethernet-based communication solutions for New York metropolitan area businesses, today announced that it has established a technology-focused event and educational grant program specifically for New Jersey schools to help continue expanding the use of technology in the classroom.

The Power of Transformational Technology in the Classroom

Optimum Lightpath's New Jersey Education Technology Conference: New Strategies to Transform Schools & Classrooms will focus on the emerging opportunities that schools have to leverage new technologies for enhanced student learning experiences. Education technology experts and IT administrators at local NJ educational institutions will participate in a dynamic discussion around top technology issues of importance to NJ schools, including:

• Using technology to do more for less versus more with less;
• Boosting operational efficiency of school systems;
• Enhancing compliance with the NJ State Department of Education's standards on integrating technology across the curriculum;
• eRate and potential benefits for NJ schools;
• Going global in the classroom; and
• Extending student/parent interaction out to the home.

The event, supported by the New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC), will be held November 10, 2010 in Somerset, NJ. It will attract NJ county superintendents, school business administrators, IT managers and principals. Cost to attend is $40 for a single attendee and $25 for companion attendance. The event program will kick off at 8:00 a.m. and run through 12:00 noon. For more information, please visit http://www.optimumlightpath.com/njconference.

Investing in the Future of NJ Education

To further increase the capability of NJ schools to implement transformational technologies in the classroom, Optimum Lightpath has established the Transforming Education with Technology grant program, which will award up to $100,000 across selected schools. The program is available in specific areas throughout New Jersey and open to public and private elementary and secondary schools. Grants will be awarded based on criteria that include how a school would use the awarded funds to:

• Leverage technology to improve instruction;
• Promote the use of technology to improve the overall education experience;
• Utilize new technology to promote distance learning; and
• Create new school initiatives centered around new technologies.

For program details and to determine eligibility, please visit http://www.optimumlightpath.com/education/grant_information.shtml. The deadline for submissions is October 15, 2010.

"Technology has the power to take learning far beyond the classroom walls," said Julia McGrath, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Optimum Lightpath. "We are committed to assisting schools in leveraging technology to enhance teaching methods and help students better prepare for the future. As we work to make the vision of technology-enabled classrooms in every school a reality, we look forward to continue working with our education customers to deliver the value, flexibility and performance they need to succeed."

Optimum Lightpath works extensively with schools throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area to transform education in the classroom. Schools that have deployed services from Optimum Lightpath's Education Services Suite have cut costs, considerably increased bandwidth and enhanced teaching and learning. For more information about Optimum Lightpath's work in the education sector, visit: http://www.optimumlightpath.com/education.shtml.

About Optimum Lightpath

Optimum Lightpath, a division of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC), is an industry leader in providing advanced Ethernet-based data, Internet, voice, video transport solutions and managed services to businesses across the New York metropolitan area. Optimum Lightpath's Network is a highly reliable, resilient, and scalable fiber-to-the-business-premises network extending more than 4,000 route miles connecting more than 4,000 fiber-lit locations. Exclusively focused on meeting customer needs in the world's largest business market for 20 years, Optimum Lightpath has been continually recognized for its high level of customer service. For 12 straight years, the New York State Public Service Commission has given Optimum Lightpath its Commendation of Excellence. Optimum Lightpath has received many industry awards for innovation and leadership. For more information, visit www.optimumlightpath.com.

SOURCE Optimum Lightpath