(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 26, 2001 ) The University of Oklahoma College of Engineering and the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) announce today that AT&T has become a 2001 National KIPR Partner. Through a $50,000 corporate sponsorship, AT&T will help KIPR with its ambitious plan to significantly increase the number of young students, especially female students, studying mathematics and science and going forward into related careers such as engineering and technology. "As part of AT&T's longstanding commitment to education, we are pleased to encourage student interest in technical fields that are the basis of our industry," said Walter Hinckfoot, AT&T regional sales director. Hands-On Approach The KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (www.kipr.org) was founded in 1993 by Ms. Cathryne Stein and Dr. David Miller and is now supported by the University of Oklahoma in an effort to significantly increasing the number of middle school and high school students who are excited about studying mathematics, science, and technology through an exceptional hands-on educational enrichment program using robotics and computer programming in an effort to help increase the number of future engineers, scientists, and technology educators. "We were impressed and encouraged by the support AT&T has demonstrated for education, technological studies and youth development," says Ms. Stein. "We believe the objectives of AT&T are consistent with the focus and vision for education held by the KISS Institute and the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering." Through its unique robotics curriculum and competition, the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering and the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics, is making an immediate impact in the lives of middle school and high school students. In 2000, this national series of regional Botball programs in Dallas, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C., Terre Haute, ID, and Norman, OK provided training for nearly 150 teachers in robotics and information technology while furnishing permanent equipment to their classrooms. As a result, approximately 1,500 students had the opportunity to design, build, and program robots while increasing their confidence in their own abilities. The regional programs for 2001 are scheduled to take place between January and April with the National tournament to be held in Seattle in conjunction with the American Association for Artificial Intelligence conference. For more information on the 2001 regional programs, please contact KIPR by email at info@kipr.org or by phone at 405-325-7864. About The KISS Institute for Practical Robotics Through its regional programs throughout the United States, the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (www.kipr.org) provides technology training for teachers, develops curricula to integrate robotics and computer programming with traditional math and science education, provides permanent equipment to schools for additional learning opportunities, and thus creates an enduring educational partnership that will enhance both the students' and the schools' opportunity for success. About the AT&T Foundation The AT&T Foundation is the principal instrument for AT&T philanthropy in the United States and throughout the world. The Foundation gives grants to nonprofit organizations for innovative programs that focus on helping people achieve self-sufficiency and lead productive lives. The Foundation seeks projects that meet society's needs and relate to AT&T's business interests with particular emphasis on projects that employ innovative technological solutions. -------------------Produced for University of OklahomaContact: Andrew Naugher 405.205.2117 mobile anaugher@ou.edu -------------------

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