After 10 Years, Federal Money for Technology in Education

More than a decade ago, Lawrence Grossman, former president of both NBC News and PBS, and Newton Minow, the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, were asked by several foundations to explore how nonprofits like schools, libraries and museums could tap into emerging digital technologies. Their bold recommendation in 2001 was to set up a multibillion dollar trust that would act as a "venture capital fund" to research learning technology. After a tortuous journey, their organization, what is now being called the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies, finally has Congressional appropriation through the Education Department and will be introduced Monday.

It could be handing out grants by fall. "It's time that education had the equivalent of what the National Science Foundation does for science, Darpa does for the national defense and what N.I.H. does for health," Grossman said. He and Minow will be the co-chairmen of the nonprofit organization, along with Anne G. Murphy, former director of the American Arts Alliance. James H. Shelton III, the assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement at the Education Department, has been shepherding the new center. "We're really excited about exploring the opportunities for advanced technology in education," he said. "The vision that started Digital Promise was well before its time. Its time has finally come."