(October 10, 2011) Cellcom is giving sixteen public and private high schools in Fox Cities 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 will run from October 24 through November 22.

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.

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. In 2010 the second smallest school in the project won.” 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.

Appleton East, Appleton North, Appleton West, Central High, Xavier, Fox Valley Lutheran, Kaukana, Kimberly, Kornerstone (Kimberly), Hortonville, Little Chute, Little Chute Career Pathways Academy, Menasha, Neenah, Neenah Downtown Campus and St. Mary Central(Neenah) 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 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.” Cellcom believes that providing these tools to teachers and students will inspire innovation, enhance learning and increase academic achievement.

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

Schools are asked to confirm their participation by October 17 and can then begin rallying support for voting, which begins on October 24. Cellcom will notify winners on November 29.