5.04.2004 ET

(CSRwire) Beaverton, OR - In celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3-9) and National Teacher's Day (May 4), Jordan, a division of Nike, Inc., today announced it will recognize 400 teachers nationwide through the Jordan Fundamentals program, by awarding $1 million in total grants for the 2003-04 school year. Jordan also announced today that it is accepting applications for the 2004-05 school year, with a deadline of June 15, 2004.

By acknowledging teachers who go above and beyond traditional lesson planning, Jordan Fundamentals is a grant program that provides educators with financial support to purchase materials and resources used to implement lessons. To Jordan, these outstanding teachers are considered "true heroes" in today's society, as their instructional creativity, innovative teaching and high learning expectations are the foundation that inspires today's youth.

"The Jordan Fundamentals program is an important element in our brand's philosophy as it allows us to give back to the community through the support of education," said Larry Miller, president of Jordan. "Because of our commitment to youth and education, we honor this year's grant recipients and have decided to extend the Jordan Fundamentals program for an additional five years. This will benefit even more teachers and students, allowing the community to continue to grow with the Jordan brand into a bright future."

Added Michael Jordan, "The Jordan brand believes that education offers choice and opportunity, and a good education is a result of teachers who motivate and inspire students. I hope educators across the nation will give the Jordan Fundamentals program serious consideration."

In its fifth year, the Jordan Fundamentals initiative recognizes and rewards teachers who strive beyond challenges and limited resources to achieve academic excellence. The program has awarded $5 million in education grants to date, benefiting teachers in underprivileged schools to help purchase resource materials, supplies, software, equipment, field trips and other items that can be used to implement lessons.

Because of its continued success, the program has been extended for an additional five years through 2009. Under the newly expanded format, both elementary and secondary school teachers (grades 1-12) are now eligible. Previously, only eligible teachers working in grades 6-12 could apply for the program. The grant amount of $2,500 per teacher given to 400 recipients will remain the same (totaling $1 million annually); however, of the 400 grants, 200 will go to teachers in grades 1-6, and 200 will go to teachers in grades 7-12. In order to apply for the program, teachers must work in public schools where at least 50 percent of the school's student population is eligible for the free or reduced lunch program.

One of several ongoing efforts funded by the Jordan brand, the Jordan Fundamentals program was designed to provide choice and opportunity to our country's youth. A free application for this grant program can be downloaded online at www.jumpman23.com or requested via e-mail at jordanfundamentals@scholarshipamerica.

The deadline to submit applications is June 15, 2004.

About Jordan
A division of Nike, Inc., Jordan is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete lifestyle collection of sport, casual and style products. The Jordan brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers. For more information on the Jordan brand, visit www.jumpman23.com.

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