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SOLUTIA * * Applied Chemistry, Creative Solutions Solutia Inc. 10300 Olive Boulevard P.O. Box 66760 St. Louis, Missouri 63166-6760 Tel 314-674-1000 Christy Beckmann (314)674-3804 _____ Alternate: Kevin Cahill (314)674-7518 Jim Green at (334) 952-1713 in Foley Solutia Education Connection Program to Provide Computers for Technology & Science Education in Three Alabama Cities; Responds to Educators' Requests in Anniston, Decatur & Foley Foley, AL, March xx, 1999 - Science and technology education in public school districts in and near Foley 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 manufacturing 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 Foley, Decatur, and Anniston, 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 an active participant in Baldwin County," said site manager Jim Green, "and we believe this is an excellent way to partner with the education community and the students to help meet crucial needs. Educators throughout the area have made us aware of the increasing needs in this arena and urged us to help. We are pleased to be able to play a part in improving educational opportunity in the community where our facility is located and where our employees live." The new program will be made available to all public city and county school districts in Baldwin County. This is the primary areas where Solutia employees live and from which it hires new staff. - more - DSW 138372 STLCOPCB4038329 2 The program will also be made available in counties near the company's Anniston and Decatur plants. The company's Foley site has consistently been the largest supporter of the United Way of Baldwin County, and has previously partnered with local schools on environmental stewardship and science education programs. The new program will broaden 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 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 operating 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 building on our partnership with educators in our area to make a real difference in science and technology opportunities for our students," said Green. "This is an exciting step forward for our schools, our communities and our company." -0O0St. Louis March xx, 1999 DSW 138373 STLCOPCB4038330