Interested in open standards solutions to classroom needs? The IBM Academic Initiative provides open source and IBM technologies and resources to help teachers stay current with the IT industry. Taking advantage of a free membership will give you access to free software, training, course materials, and more. To learn more, visit our url at: http://ibm.com/university

Here is an opportunity for your technology students to show off their technology skills in the world's largest technology competition with the potential of winning extraordinary prizes. The Imagine Cup inspires students to create innovative solutions to solve world's toughest problems as defined by the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals.

The competition fits perfectly with engaging students with the power of technology to solve real-world problems and sharing their ideas on the world stage with thousands of students, Microsoft executives, and other companies in Imagine Cup 2011. Studies show that when students are solving real-world problems, they're more engaged in their learning--which of course translates into results in the classroom. Learn more at Imagine Cup at bit.ly/USImagineCup.

Imagine Cup is like a technology Olympics with students from around the world competing in five categories.

1. Software Design-First prize: US $25,000
2. Game Design-First prize: $8,000
3. IT Challenge-First prize: $8,000
4. Digital Media-First prize: $8,000
5. Embedded Development-First prize: $8,000

Any High School or College student over the age of 16 years is eligible to participate in Imagine Cup. Learn about Imagine Cup, review the past winners, and encourage your students to sign-up to compete at bit.ly/ICRegister. If you have any questions about Imagine Cup, email: icus@microsoft.com.