Science Leadership Academy and The Franklin Institute Advance Inquiry-Based Learning with Dell

Dell partners with The Franklin Institute and SLA to empower greater access to technology and incubate best practices in one-to-one computing Launch of the Center of Excellence in Learning creates resource for educators to experience an environment that is inquiry-driven and project-based Every 9th grade SLA student to receive new Dell Chromebook 11 to support learning from class to home

Dell today announced that the Science Leadership Academy (SLA), a partnership high school between The School District of Philadelphia and The Franklin Institute, will be the first school in the nation to deploy the Dell Chromebook 11, the latest edition to Dell's portfolio of next generation learning solutions. The new Dell Chromebooks will be used by students, teachers and administrators to support SLA's rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on science, technology, mathematics and entrepreneurship. SLA also partnered with The Franklin Institute and Dell to launch the first "Center of Excellence in Learning," a resource for educators for best practices in inquiry-driven, project-based learning, technology access models and one-to-one computing initiatives.

"We knew that for students to truly be in charge of their learning, we had to provide them with a device where they can research, collaborate and create projects that develop the critical thinking skills they need for future success," said Chris Lehmann, founding principal, the Science Leadership Academy. "The Dell Chromebook 11 gives our students access to their apps and content from anywhere and enables us to integrate learning into every facet of student lives, whether in the classroom, in a lab or at home."

Wrapping into Dell's end-to-end education portfolio, the Dell Chromebook 11 is a laptop that is fast, secure and allows easy-to-manage access to applications and content. IT administrators and teachers are able to quickly control and update the apps from a web-based console so students can learn securely. This gives SLA the ability to customize their devices to meet the goals of their curriculum.

"Our mission at SLA is to help our students to become the fully-realized citizens our society needs by immersing them in an inquiry-driven, project-based environment that encourages them to find their passion," said Chris Lehmann. "The Chromebook gives us the flexibility to achieve that goal."

For their leadership in personalized learning and advancement of STEM and entrepreneurship skills, Dell has named SLA and The Franklin Institute partners in its Powering the Possible through Youth Learning initiative, a program that provides support to organizations that share Dell's vision of preparing youth for success through STEM education and the development of ICT skills. SLA received more than $620,000 in grant money and education technology from Dell to continue to build on their legacy of inquiry-based learning.

"At Dell, we are committed to empowering students and teachers with technology and 21^st century skills that empower them to reach their full potential," says Jon Phillips, director of worldwide education. "We are proud to partner with SLA to advance their inquiry-based learning environment and offer it as a model for other schools to follow."

Dell will help SLA scale their model of inquiry-driven, project-based learning across the nation through the new Center of Excellence in Learning that serves as a resource of best practices for other educators. Today, SLA, The Franklin Institute and Dell will celebrate the opening of the Center of Excellence in Learning at SLA and hold an Innovation in Teaching and Learning Think Tank. Join the conversation by following #DoMoreEdu.

Supporting Quotes

"SLA is a pioneering example of what can result from community partnerships and I am thrilled they have been selected as a partner in Dell's Youth Learning Initiative. I commend Principal Lehmann, the Franklin Institute, the dedicated teachers and staff at SLA, and their engaged students who together have truly created a place where learning, discovery and innovation is celebrated in the classroom. Both Dell and SLA understand that equipping our students with backgrounds in STEM is critical to building a stronger next generation. I look forward to continuing to support STEM funding in our Philadelphia schools and around the country." - Chaka Fattah, U.S. Representative, 2^nd District of Pennsylvania

"As SLA's founding partner, The Franklin Institute is deeply committed to this unique and successful partnership. The Institute provides extraordinary opportunities for SLA students, including memberships, collaborative events and programs, board of trustee scholarships and unprecedented exposure to some of the best scientists in the world. Dell is a valuable partner to advance the goals of SLA and The Franklin Institute, and with their support, we are able to share SLA's model of inquiry-based learning with educators across the nation and engage even more students in STEM education. We are excited to see The Franklin Institute's spirit of inquiry grow with the founding of the Center of Excellence in Learning to foster innovation in our region and beyond." - Dr. Dennis M. Wint, President and CEO, The Franklin Institute

About the Science Leadership Academy

The Science Leadership Academy (SLA) is a Philadelphia public magnet high school founded by The Franklin Institute in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. Operating on the principles of project-based learning in the context of a tech-integrated one-to-one laptop school, SLA has redefined educational best practices for the 21st century. Since its inception in 2006, SLA has appeared repeatedly in the media as an outstanding model for the future of public schools. Founding Principal, Chris Lehmann, has become a voice of authority in the world of educational technology and leads an annual education conference, called Educon, in partnership with SLA and The Franklin Institute.

About The Franklin Institute

In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, the mission of The Franklin Institute is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Franklin Institute is a vibrant 21st-Century organization that offers new and exciting access to science and technology. The Institute has become a dynamic agent of change through its rich array of internationally recognized exhibitions and programs, lectures and discussions themed to illuminate issues in contemporary science, community outreach initiatives particularly targeted to girls and to urban youth, and its series of innovative partnerships in public education. The Franklin Institute's universal appeal is reflected in the diversity of its audience--from world famous working scientists to involved citizens of any age; from elementary school through university level students; from inner city to suburban families. All are drawn here by a common interest in science and technology.

About Dell

Dell Inc. is committed to helping students develop the knowledge and skills they need to learn and succeed in an increasingly digital world and a globally competitive workforce. As a top provider of technology and services to schools, Dell listens to and works with students, educators, administrators, parents and community members around the world to deliver innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more in and out of the classroom. Learn more about Dell in Education at www.dell.com. Follow us on Twitter @DellEDU.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

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