Bill Gates and Gerhard Schröder Award Road Ahead Prize, Discuss Importance of IT Investment in Education

BONN, Germany, Feb. 4, 1999 — Today Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corp., joined German Chancellor Gerhard Schrder in Bonn, Germany, to award the Road Ahead Prize to three exemplary Germany schools. Microsoft introduced the Road Ahead Prize in Europe two years ago as a program that supports lifelong learning initiatives, and the innovative use of information technology and the Internet in education.

Gates and Schroeder addressed 500 students, teachers and government officials at the event, stressing the importance of information technology investment in education. “We have always believed that education is a key area where computers and Internet access can have a great impact on the quality of learning,” said Bill Gates. “The schools that we are honoring today are great examples of the creativity and skills needed to embrace new technologies. Microsoft is working together with many partners in Germany and throughout the world to advance the use of IT in education.” Following their opening remarks, Gates and Schroeder conducted a question-and-answer session with the students present at the event.

The first prize was granted to the Stdtische Heinrich-Heine-Gymnasium in Mettmann, the second winner was the Hans-Sachs-Gymnasium from Nrnberg and the third prize went to Johann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe Gymnasium in Rhineland-Palatinate. These three schools were recognized out of a pool of 300 entries for their work in designing creative and useful Web sites. The schools were rewarded with prize money and software donations for their educational needs.

“The Road Ahead Prize encourages children to work with new media and recognizes individuals and classes in European schools that create interesting and innovative Web sites,” said Richard Roy, general manager of Microsoft Germany. “Our future depends on how we prepare our children for the information society, and this is one attempt by Microsoft to make a contribution in Germany.”

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