Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program Gives Annual Grants to Teachers Nationwide

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2009-- Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), announced today that the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program has honored close to 100 educators nationwide for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the classroom. This year, the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program has awarded $1 million in total grants for the 2009-2010 school year to aid middle and high school teachers working in underserved communities. These grants provide the resources necessary for instructional creativity and enhance curriculum development.

“We are proud to recognize our nation’s educators and their commitment to outstanding teaching through our Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program,” says Howard White, Jordan Brand Vice President. “The opportunities our grant recipients provide to their students help foster students’ drive for personal excellence both in and out of the classroom and pave the way for a lifetime of success.”

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program acknowledges and provides financial support to teachers who endeavor to overcome challenges and limited resources in order to achieve excellence through instructional creativity, innovative teaching and high learning expectations for students. Since 1999, the Jordan Fundamentals program has presented more than $10 million in financial aid to public secondary school teachers where at least 50 percent of the student body population is eligible for the free or reduced lunch program.

“The grants awarded through Jordan Fundamentals give teachers the support to try new and innovative ideas in the classroom,” said Jennifer Stimpson of Dallas’ Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center and 2009-2010 Jordan Fundamentals grant recipient. “These grants inspire educators to motivate students to pursue academic excellence by providing access to important resources that previously may not have been available.”

For the list of current grant recipients and more information about the Jordan Fundamentals program, please visit www.jordanfundamentals.com.

About Jordan Brand

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle 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 Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

Source: Jordan Brand

Jordan Brand
Terri Hines, 503-532-5862
terri.hines@nike.com
or
Jordan Brand
Trisha Burns, 503-671-2693
trisha.burns@nike.com