AFA has a major interest in promoting education within the sciences and engineering fields. However, we recognize that reading is a major skill needed if our children are going to perform well in life, school and the sciences. Therefore, AFA has formed a partnership with USA Today to promote an educational opportunity in today's classrooms designed to improve reading skills, make lessons relevant to today's environment, and make learning fun for our children (especially struggling readers). The main objective is to improve students' performance on standardized exams by introducing and teaching proven strategies for comprehending and analyzing informational tests. This program has already been implemented in many schools, particularly in Florida, and teacher feedback has been unanimously positive.

We have reached out to the 16 counties in the greater Atlanta metro area to determine their interest in our promoting the program. We have already received responses from five counties expressing an interest. Once we determine the overall level of interest, we'll have a better idea of the amount of money we need to raise. The program has two levels, 4th-8th grade and high school level. Basically, at the 4th-8th grade level, we are looking for one class per county starting in January-one lesson a week for 30 students up to 18 weeks. At the high school level, we'd be looking for four classes of 20 students in one high school per county for both semesters-one lesson a week for 28 weeks (we generally half the lessons between semesters). We may be a little late in starting the program in high schools this year.

The program (we call it VISIONS) focuses around articles dealing with aerospace: -- AFA and USA Today would furnish the newspapers for each lesson. -- USA Today has developed the lesson plans. -- Students read USA TODAY to interpret, analyze and synthesize local, national and world news. -- USA Today has a National Advisory Panel and relationships with many educational and professional organizations to provide insight and guidance on current education trends, issues, initiatives, and resources. -- The program was developed by a team of experienced and credentialed educators. -- USA Today can provide training for the teachers in the Atlanta area. -- No obligation for the grant except for filling out a feedback form.