An anonymous donor who pledged $130 million to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in December has increased the donation to $360 million.
The money is the largest gift ever to any public or private university in the United States, and Rensselaer has complete discretion in its use.
The money will be used to support research programs in biotechnology and information technology.
"The even more dramatic advances that lie ahead will revolutionize the practice of medicine, extend the human life span, and shrink our world through ubiquitous, tetherless communications," RPI president Shirley Ann Jackson said in a statement.
"This extraordinary gift will enable Rensselaer to play a leading role in enabling society to reap the still-unimagined benefits of these exciting technologies."
The school is in the planning process of building two new facilities: The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and the Electronic Media and Performing Arts Center.
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The choice of a new gene-eration: The Human Genome Project has created a free multimedia toolkit for high school students. The kit includes a CD-ROM and documentary video that can be used in science classes.
"As we complete the working draft of the human genome sequence, a critical tool to advance biomedical research, we have a responsibility to provide the tools to help the public, both old and young, understand how genomics will improve health and affect our lives," Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, said in a statement.
The package includes on outline of milestones in genetics, a segment on how to sequence a genome, and interactive activities on using genes to trace human history and genetic variation in populations.
Teachers can order the kit at the NHGRI website.
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A bridge over digital waters: IBM and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACA) have paired up to offer discounts on hardware and software to students, faculty, and family from over 270 schools with large Hispanic populations.
Students at HACU member institutions will be able to purchase IBM ThinkPad notebooks and desktop computers at discounted prices. Special bundled packages, which include hardware and software, will be priced at lower rates as well.
IBM and HACU will also work together to recruit Hispanics for technology careers.
HACU member institutions are located primarily in California, Texas, Florida, Arizona and Illinois.
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Language links: This spring, students at private schools in the United States and China will study one another's languages through the Internet.
Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. (NLCI), which operates 168 private, charter, and special education schools in the United States, has formed a partnership with South Ocean Development Group, the largest operator of private schools in China. "This exchange will create a bond between Nobel and South Ocean's students that will last a lifetime, helping to unite our two countries and in turn strengthen both education systems," A. Jack Clegg, CEO of Nobel, said in a statement.
In July, 20 Nobel students and teachers will travel to China in the first of a series of educational exchanges between the two organizations.
The International Education and Resource Network is sponsoring a similar program, where public schoolchildren in the United States and China will collaborate on academic projects using the Internet.
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Honoring excellent teachers: Over 200 math and science teachers received the annual Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching this month.
Winners receive a $7,500 educational grant for their schools and a free trip to Washington to receive a certificate.
The awards are administered by the National Science Foundation.
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E-arn your e-learning degree: Jones International University, the first fully accredited online university, will offer six master's of education degrees with a focus on e-learning starting this spring.
The degree is targeted at those who want to build and teach online courses. Programs offered include: Research and Assessment, Corporate Training and Knowledge Management, Global Leadership and Administration, Library and Resource Management, Technology and Design, and a general Master of Education in e-learning.
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More tech courses for young techies: Apex Learning, a company that operates virtual schools, and American Computer Experience, which runs computer camps for children, have teamed up to offer technology classes to kids over the Web.
The courses will cover topics such as multimedia, Web design, programming and networking.
Classes will be run through Apex Learning's virtual school network beginning this fall.
