The Electronic Industries Foundation, the sponsor of Project Homepage, is proud to introduce TechXplore, the next generation of the online competition and technology mentoring program. TechXplore is a 21st century approach to science and technology learning that engages the power of the Internet to bring the innovation, excitement, and expertise of the electronic industries into the classroom to advance student learning. TechXplore pairs technical experts from electronics and high-tech companies with teams of students across the country, via the Internet, to explore the world of technology. Together they envision new products and new technology applications and propose solutions to real world problems using technology.

TechXplore evolved from EIF's former online competition called Project Homepage that the Foundation operated for three years. The excitement generated by the program and the valuable feedback offered by our participants-students, teachers, advisors, and partners in the business and education communities alike- were instrumental in creating the enhanced TechXplore program. The innovative program, which is dedicated to helping middle and high school students build the science and technology skills needed for future workplace success, provides enhanced opportunities for students to explore technology and careers, for teachers to approach the sciences in an engaging and interactive way, and for the greater electronics industry to contribute to education in their communities and beyond.

TechXplore retains the existing approach to the development of critical thinking, science, technology, teaming and communications skills and stresses solutions to real world problems and quality of life issues. Teams will still present their results via a Website which is entered into the TechXplore online competition.

Enhancements include program guidelines that pave the way for greater interaction with online technology mentors and greater opportunity to learn about both traditional and emerging technology careers, and offers students in underserved areas new ways to see beyond the borders of their schools and communities. EIF's new online TechXplore career resource, which will feature profiles of working professionals from across the technology spectrum, will help students develop a broader understanding of the diverse career opportunities that await those with appropriate skills.

Participants will have access to TechXtra-a new EIF electronic newsletter that will take students and teachers behind the scenes to learn more about the science that drives the technologies that are changing all our lives.

Team websites entered into the TechXplore competition will be judged on a variety of factors including application of scientific process, overall presentation and thoroughness of the research. Top scoring teams will be honored at an annual event in Washington, DC attended by over 500 industry executives and government officials, and presented with an award. Each team completing the TechXplore process will receive a plaque commemorating their achievement. Each student will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. Teachers who facilitate TechXplore teams will continue to receive a $200 certificate for the purchase of science and technology educational products.

TechXplore runs from September through February and is open to any school or after-school program. Incorporated into the curriculum or managed as an after school project, TechXplore enhances those skills which will be most critical to the success of our nation's young people in our increasingly technology driven economy. To learn more about participating in TechXplore, contact Marie Wiggins at mwiggins@eia.org or (703) 907-7431.

TechXplore is independently operated by the Electronic Industries Foundation (EIF). Through financial support from the electronic industries, EIF is able to offer programs such as TechXplore and TechXtra, entirely free, to a growing number of schools across the US. The Foundation is seeking additional financial sponsorship to make the learning opportunities like these possible for deserving young minds everywhere. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Gretchen Ridgely at gridgely@eia.org or (703) 907-7412.