Document yr1r33rqQv96qz91657mYoOvd

* Applied Chemistry, Creative Solutions DRAFT for discussion 3/8/99 Solutia Inc. 10300 Olive Boulevard P.O. Box 66760 St. Louis, Missouri 63166-6760 Tel 314-674-1000 Christy Beckmann .(314) 614-1804 Alternate: Kevin Cahill (314) 674-7518 Blake Hamilton at 205/231-8427 in Anniston Solutia Education Connection Program to Provide Computers for Technology & Science Education in Three Alabama Cities; Responds to Educators' Requests in Anniston, Decatur & Foley Anniston, AL, March xx, 1999 - Science and technology education in public school districts in and near Anniston and two other Alabama cities will get a major boost with new computers and other technology assistance to be funded under a new program launched by Solutia Fund, the philanthropic arm of Solutia Inc., which has long operated chemical plants in each community. The company announced today the Solutia Education Connection Program - a three-year commitment to help city and county public school districts in and near Anniston, Decatur and Foley acquire new computer equipment to advance each district's technology access for students, especially in science. Teams of educators from each district will work with Solutia employees to identify computer and related needs for each district that will best assist the schools in providing more opportunities for their students. "Solutia has long been actively involved with the Anniston community," said site manager Blake Hamilton, "and we believe this is an excellent way to partner with the community to help meet crucial educational needs. Educators throughout the area have made us aware of this important need and urged us to help. We are pleased to be able to play a part in improving educational opportunity in the communities where our plant is located and where our employees live." - more - DSw 138533 STLCOPCB4038488 2 The new program will be made available to all public city and county school districts in Calhoun, Talladega, St. Clair, and Cleburne Counties. These are the primary areas where Solutia employees live and from which it hires new staff. The program will also be made available in counties near the company's Decatur and Foley plants. The company's Anniston facility has previously donated computer equipment to schools in Anniston. The new program broadens this focus and will work closely with the individual school districts to recommend equipment that will best serve their educational programs. Proposals will be submitted on behalf of each district to the Solutia Fund this spring, with first year funding decisions to be made by June. Decisions on specific equipment needs for the second and third years will be made during the two coming school years. Each school district will have a major role in shaping its request for computers and related technology assistance. Science education at the high school level is a company priority, but each district and the company will work together to determine where computers are most needed. The company expects to be able to make available funding for approximately 75 to 100 computers per year within the three-county area near the Anniston plant. The Solutia Education Connection program has been endorsed by the Alabama State Department ofEducation, Alabama Education Association, and the Alabama Association of School Boards. "Solutia is a leading company in applied chemistry, and we have a special interest in promoting strong science and technology education," said Solutia's chief executive officer John Hunter. "This program will not only support families and students in our plant communities, but it will also strengthen the science awareness and knowledge of our future employees. This is an important investment in these communities and our future in Alabama." "We are looking forward to partnering with educators in our area to make a real difference in science and technology opportunities for our students," said Hamilton. "This is an exciting step forward for our schools, our communities and our company." -oOo- St. Louis March xx, 1999 DSW 138534 STLCOPCB4038489