Could It Be As Easy As Sponsoring Education?

Businesses Should Look to Schools To Create Significant Corporate Value

Champaign, IL. -The investing world has been turned on its head these past few years as companies with balance sheets that show enormous debt trade for record amounts. It seems that a large part of a company's value is made up of intangible assets that until recently had no way of being measured. However, a new index created by Forbes magazine, Ernst and Young and the Wharton Research Program suggests that the economy has new priorities, and that the stock market is rewarding these priorities handsomely.

This is where education steps in. In the statistical analysis released in the April 3, 2000 issue of Forbes ASAP, the Value Creation Index (VCI) showed that innovation, the ability to attract talented employees, alliances, quality, environmental performance, brand investment, technology and customer satisfaction drive market values. Carol Timms, President of Educational Dividends, an educational consulting firm, says "Companies can attain three quarters of the components of value simply by partnering with education. They can reach the remaining components through direct involvement in the classroom." In fact, the analysis showed that alliances are one of the most important factors related to higher market values. The bonus is that education benefits, too.

Companies that partner in the classroom with K-12 schools show their innovation through alliances that improve the quality of education and naturally add to their corporate value. "These companies attract and retain talented employees who see the value in supporting an important public issue like education," stated Ms. Timms. "In addition, students who work together with a business, develop a strong loyalty for the rest of their lives, both as a consumer and potential employee."

"Businesses will not attain these values simply by throwing money at schools hoping for results," says Ms. Timms. "Instead, they need to develop strategic partnerships through a company that understands the needs of both education and business. Educational Dividends manages these alliances to make sure businesses see returns on their investment." Educational Dividends uses insight into business and education to create innovative educational products that offer corporate value for businesses while ensuring quality, balanced learning tools for teachers and students.

Educational Dividends, based in Champaign, Illinois, has designed and managed projects in over 1,500 public and private schools since 1994. Find out more about one of our proven models for education, EnergyNet, by visiting its website at http://www.energynet.net. Carol Timms, President of Educational Dividends is available for interviews by calling toll free 877-359-9444.

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