April 1, 2002

We are very pleased to present our first NetDay Annual Report. The year 2001 has been a very exciting year for NetDay as we expanded many of our programs and increased our abilities nationwide to connect every child to a brighter future through the effective use of technology. We are proud of our success last year and look forward to meeting new opportunities and challenges in 2002 with a clear direction and purpose.

One of NetDay's best illustrations of our impact can be seen in Rosedale, Mississippi. As part of the NetDay Community Initiatives, our team has worked closely with the West Bolivar School District in Rosedale during the past two years to seamlessly integrate technology into daily classroom instruction. In order to achieve specific educational goals for the district, NetDay Project Director Audrey Pearson leads a powerful group of community partners to bridge the Digital Divide in the Mississippi Delta by guiding district technology planning, developing instructional curriculum using technology, brokering technology resources, and working directly with teachers using the Internet for classroom use. At the end of 2001, each classroom in the West Bolivar School District achieved two significant milestones: all now have Internet connectivity and each class is equipped with one computer for every three students -- one of the best ratios in the nation. In this rural, impoverished area of the Mississippi Delta, this is a remarkable accomplishment.

While this is statistically impressive, the real effect of this accomplishment can only be tested through the curious eyes of the 10 year olds in Mrs. LaMastusŐ fourth grade class at West Bolivar Elementary. Through the Internet, Mrs. LaMastusŐ young students are now able to take virtual field trips to distant lands far away from the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. She now has lesson plans in geography that includes art and architecture, cultures and traditions and even world economy and globalization. Because of NetDay's partnership with the West Bolivar School District, these children are realizing the promise of technology rich learning. By opening doors to the world for these students, they are better prepared for the rigors of the 21st century workplace and will have the necessary foundation to be participating citizens in an economy and a democracy that is increasingly based upon information literacy. NetDay is proud to play a role in connecting Mrs. LaMastus' students, and 20,000 other children in NetDay communities across the United States, to a brighter future through technology.

Thank you for your support of our programs and initiatives in 2001. In 2002 we will continue to enhance our direct impact within schools and communities through our targeted direct service programs. In addition, we will explore innovative approaches to using the Internet to share knowledge and best practices amongst educators, parents and community leaders through our acclaimed web initiatives. Our excellent staff will continue to think creatively about solutions for the technology challenges that educators face; their dedication and commitment to children, technology and communities is second to none. We look forward to continuing to work with many of you as partners and investors in our programs; your support remains a significant catalyst for our efforts and our success.

Every child in every school in every community in America deserves a future that is bright with promise. NetDay is committed to helping those promises be fully realized with educational opportunities that are rich in technology for all students and all teachers.