News Releases

M&I Gift Helps Kids Communicate Across the World
Donation of Mobile PC Unit Gets At-Risk Youth Excited to Learn

BRADENTON, Fla (Nov. 29, 2011) – Learning how to use a computer in our technology-geared world is viewed as a critical component of a complete education. Unfortunately for many students, not all schools can afford to provide this valuable educational tool. Team Success Charter School (Team Success) in Bradenton, Fla, is one such school. Ninety nine percent of the 300 elementary and middle school-age youth live at or below the federal poverty level.

M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group, recognizes the importance of having cutting-edge technology in the classroom and is giving Team Success 28 HP mini notebooks, 24 zip drives, a mobile lab cart, and a number of web and flip cameras. Thanks to a discount from the Bradenton Best Buy on 14th St. West, M&I was able to give more technology than would have otherwise been possible.

"We are extremely dedicated to our students and to giving them the best education possible, said Amiee Fleming, Team Success Director. "Our teachers are excited to be able to integrate technology into their lessons."

In January, Team Success will have its first international experience when students will have the opportunity to interact with 50 peers in Lesotho, Africa. Students will connect over the Internet, share lesson plans through videos, write letters and share cultures. One of the most exciting features for the kids will be the ability to use Skype to video chat.

Alejandro, age 9, said, "I like having a mobile lab because I will get to work on the computer by myself and learn different things on my own. Using c omputers are a fun way to learn."

"Providing Team Success with this technology will enable them to help close the educational gap," said Dave Maraman, M&I President - Florida Region. "We view education as a critical component to help break the cycle of poverty. I'm glad we were able to help."

About BMO Harris Bank
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank has approximately 700 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial institution with 1,600 branches, a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

About Team Success - A School of Excellence
Founded in 2003, Team Success is a Title 1 Charter School in Bradenton Florida that teaches a population of minority, underserved and "at risk" children grades K – 8. Team Success strives to close the educational gap that can persist between urban youth and their counterparts in affluent areas. Tuition is free and they encourage and reward high scholastic achievement.