State Capitol Launches iCapitol

Interactive Tools Available to Students and Visitors

Picture: Speaker Romanoff with iCapitol project manager Lisa Kramer

DENVER -- House Speaker Andrew Romanoff today unveiled the first interactive kiosks and educational website to be housed in the state capitol as part of a program called iCapitol.  Thanks to a gift from the AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc.– students and visitors will benefit from a grant for over $50,000 in support of the kiosks, the website and the wireless technology to support the project.       

“We're bringing the Capitol to life. Our iCapitol project is one of the most interactive and educational efforts our historic building has ever seen,” said Speaker Romanoff.

The kiosks will allow students and visitors to access a wireless Internet connection to the new iCapitol website to find out who represents them, email their legislators directly, and access the iCapitol.org website.  The website www.iCapitol.org is dedicated to deepening the understanding of how state government works.  Educational content was created by Leader’s Challenge and Colorado educators along with input from students.

“Leader’s Challenge is proud to help engage youth in becoming involved in government through the iCapitol project,” Tim Sheahan, President/CEO of Leader's Challenge.

Teachers and administrators are encouraged to promote the use of icapitol.org and in local school districts as they develop curricula for the fall. 

“Today’s launch of the computer kiosks in the state capitol is truly amazing for us to be a part of as we watch history being made,” said Stephanie Tyler-Jackson, Executive Director of AT&T External Affairs.  “We have seen many education reforms passed this session thanks to the work done under this dome, and now our legislature is extending that passion for improving education by using innovative ways to reach visitors of the capitol.”

The AT&T Foundation supports initiatives that help students throughout the higher education continuum: the successful completion of high school, preparation for and entrance to college and degree completion and graduation. Additionally, the foundation supports organizations and programs that integrate technology into daily classroom instruction and administration activities, develop community and civic leadership and encourage workforce development.

-- Posted by staff