Cellcom will give the eight public and private high schools in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids a chance to win one of three cash prizes totaling $50,000 to be used for classroom technology. Project Innovate, a community voting challenge, invites students, teachers, families and community members to vote and rally support for their favorite school. The voting period runs through the month of November.

The school with the most votes at the end of November will be awarded a $30,000 grand prize exclusively for the purchase of technology. The first prize winner will receive $15,000 and second prize is $5,000. All remaining schools who enter Project Innovate will each receive three Samsung Galaxy tablets, a $1,500 value, for classroom use. Cellcom believes that providing these tools to teachers and students will inspire innovation, enhance learning and increase academic achievement.

Small and large schools can win Project Innovate. “The community voting program hinges on mobilizing a school’s supporters,” said Brighid Riordan, director of Public Affairs for Cellcom. “It’s all about word of mouth, and it may be easier for a small school to rally their community. The key to success in Project Innovate is to tell as many people as can to vote for your school and to be creative.” Anyone age 13 and up is eligible to vote, regardless of location. Each individual can vote one time and an email address is required to vote.

Marshfield High School, Columbus Catholic High School (Marshfield), Stevens Point Area Senior High, Pacelli High School (Stevens Point), Chas F. Fernandez Center for Alternative Learning (Stevens Point), Lincoln High School (Wisconsin Rapids), River Cities High School (Wisconsin Rapids), and Assumption High School (Wisconsin Rapids) were invited to participate in Project Innovate.

“Cellcom’s ultimate goal is to give back to education locally,” said Riordan. “Equipping a school with the latest in technology is high on the wish list of many educators and students, but budget concerns can make these items less attainable. Project Innovate aims to bridge the gap and give schools the opportunity to create the ultimate classroom.”

Examples of technology that could be purchased with the funds include interactive white boards, LCD projector, laptops, net books or tablets, and software and digital media tools.

Schools are asked to confirm their participation by October 14 and can then begin rallying support for voting, which begins on November 1. To cast a vote during this time period, go to Cellcom.com and click on ‘Project Innovate’. Cellcom will notify winners on December 8.