Cellcom announced the participation of four schools in Project Innovate, a month-long community voting challenge. Marshfield High School, Columbus Catholic High School, Pacelli High School and Chas. F. Fernandez Center for Alternative Learning will rally their supporters for a chance to win one of three cash prizes totaling $50,000. The prize money is exclusively for the purchase of classroom technology.

The school with the most votes at the end of November will be awarded a $30,000 grand prize. The first prize winner will receive $15,000 and second prize is $5,000. Schools can use their winnings to equip classrooms with SMART boards, an LCD projector, lap tops, software for games or virtual simulations, tablets and net books, or other technology to advance learning. Cellcom believes that providing these tools to teachers and students will inspire innovation and increase academic achievement.

Small and large schools can win Project Innovate. “The community voting program hinges on mobilizing a school’s supporters; it’s all about word of mouth,” said Brighid Riordan, director of Public Affairs for Cellcom. “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.

“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.”

Voting begins November 1 and ends November 30. To cast a vote, go to Cellcom.com and click on ‘Project Innovate’. Cellcom will notify winners on December 8. All public and private schools in Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids were invited to participate.