Media Contact: Ed Gragert
ed@us.iearn.org
Tel: (212) 870-2693
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Foundation Helps Expand Program that Builds Cultural Bridges
Between US and Countries with Muslim Populations
Seeking US Teachers for Expanded Online Project-Based Learning Initiative
New York, Nov. 5, 2008 – There's a new opportunity for American teachers to win scholarships and
roles in a unique global program to bring American students together online for joint projects with
Muslim students in 25 nations. The International Education and Resource Network (iEARN-USA) today
announced that it is looking for teachers in the U.S. to participate in the expansion of its BRIDGE
program. The expansion and its participation scholarships are funded by the Doris Duke Foundation for
Islamic Art. Focused on building links between students and teachers around the Muslim world, the
expansion will allow iEARN to dramatically increase the number of participating schools as well as
expand the range of programs offered for them.
BRIDGE (Building Respect through Internet Dialogue and Global Education) is conducted by iEARN to
link more than 2 million students and 100,000 teachers, K-12, in online academic projects. "In a world
increasingly torn by hostility and strife, this unique form of direct communication and collaboration is
more vital than ever," said Ed Gragert, Executive Director of iEARN-USA. “BRIDGE builds vital
cultural awareness and appreciation.”
In addition to offering American students and educators access to collaborative online projects,
professional development, and international exchange opportunities, the project will expand support for
iEARN programs in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, the United
Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Through iEARN's secure Internet-based Collaboration Centre, the
BRIDGE program will be expanded to provide online exchange opportunities for students and educators
in the 11 participating countries. Access is provided to iEARN’s online collaborative projects so that
educators will be able to participate in project-based learning activities that fit their curriculum and
classroom needs. As many as 33,000 new students and 660 new educators will benefit from the
BRIDGE program by improving English language proficiency, enhancing critical thinking and problem
solving skills.
“With few opportunities for students and teachers in the U.S. to engage directly with their counterparts
from predominantly Muslim countries, iEARN’s BRIDGE program fills an important need. We are
pleased to be able to support its expansion and look forward to the projects and collaborations that
result,” said Joan E. Spero, president of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
International Education and Resource Network
475 Riverside Drive
Suite 450
Tel. 212.870.2693 Fax. 212.870.2672
New York, NY 10115 USA
www.us.iearn.org
iearn@us.iearn.org
iEARN received a $500,000 grant over three years from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art’s
Building Bridges Program, which awards grants to promote the use of arts, media, education and crosscultural exchanges to improve understanding between the U.S. and Muslim societies.
The grant from the foundation is supplemented by $310,000 in grants from the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs (Global Connections and Exchange Program) and the Copen Family Fund. These
funds make possible a Master Trainers Seminar in Morocco for 27 educators from the US and Muslim
countries. The Seminar will be held in conjunction with the 16th Annual iEARN International
Conference, giving participants the chance to meet 1,000 fellow educators and students from around the
world. This additional support will also provide funds for more than 70 mini-grants to fund community
service projects designed and organized by students in all participating countries.
iEARN is seeking educators interested in applying for the 330 scholarships available for iEARN’s
online professional development courses in all subject areas. iEARN is eager to broaden institutional
partnerships with educators, schools, and organizations engaged in similar or complementary activities.
For information on how to participate in the program, take advantage of any of the scholarships or
grants, or to become a partner organization please contact Ed Gragert at ed@us.iearn.org.
About iEARN
iEARN was launched in 1988 as a pilot project between the US and former USSR to demonstrate that
students could use emerging new technologies to work together on meaningful educational projects that
enhance the quality of life on the planet. It is iEARN’s vision that if students start working together
globally from the earliest ages (5-19), they will learn to communicate more effectively through direct
online dialogs with peers in other countries and learn how the world’s issues can be solved through
collaborative solutions. iEARN has grown to become the world’s largest educational network for
project-based learning, with programs in more than 125 countries. iEARN-USA was awarded the 2003
Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize for Excellence in International Education and is a 2004 Tech Museum
Laureate winner for “technology benefiting humanity.” Please visit www.iearn.org and
www.us.iearn.org. iEARN-USA is based in New York City.
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International Education and Resource Network
475 Riverside Drive
Suite 450
Tel. 212.870.2693 Fax. 212.870.2672
New York, NY 10115 USA
www.us.iearn.org
iearn@us.iearn.org