New ambitious technology-driven learning programs can be now rolled out by 11 Long Island schools. Optimum (News - Alert) Lightpath has awarded $100,000 in grants to these schools. At the Long Island Education Technology Conference, the recipients of Optimum Lightpath’s education technology grant program were recently announced by the company. Optimum Lightpath (News - Alert) is a top market company in Ethernet-based communication solutions for New York metropolitan area businesses. Cablevision is the parent company of Optimum Lightpath. The Conference was held at Cablevision's headquarters in Bethpage.

Teaching and learning can be now advanced by the winning schools with technology. Grants up to $10,000 were received by select schools that were chosen from among 157 applicants.

In a release, Edward P. Mangano, Nassau County Executive, said, "Optimum Lightpath understands the importance of advancing education and we're proud to count the company among Nassau County businesses investing in the community it serves. Long Island schools are constantly evaluating new ways to learn and infusing technology into programs today is helping to better prepare our students for tomorrow."

The schools which received an education technology grant were congratulated by Mangano. Mangano also hoped that the rollout of exciting new programs went well at these schools.

A wide range of technology based programs will be funded by schools receiving an Optimum Lightpath grant. Distance learning, virtual field trips and connecting students to their communities in new ways are some of the new initiatives that will be taken up by these schools. Other initiatives include creating a living history museum, helping students with disabilities function independently and replacing textbooks with interactive E-books. These funds will be also used to help the students better prepare for college. More customized learning opportunities will be also offered through these funds.

Dave Pistacchio (News - Alert), President, Optimum Lightpath, said, "The $100,000 in grants awarded to Long Island schools today underscore Optimum Lightpath's ongoing commitment to creating new opportunities for educational institutions that are powered by new, transformational technology."

According to Pistacchio, the company is eager to see the new innovative technology-infused programs implemented throughout the school year. The company will also look for more opportunities benefitting students and teachers throughout the New York metro area.