KDK-Harman Foundation

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 14, 2007 —KDK-Harman Foundation, an Austin-based family foundation, announces the inaugural GED Award of Excellence. A total of $50,000 to the top three GED programs in the Central Texas area will be awarded through a competitive RFP application process. The goals of this award are many; first is to recognize those GED Programs that successfully employ innovative strategies that increase the completion of their students taking GED classes and encourage continuation of post-secondary education or entry into the workforce, while demonstrating “best in class” qualities. Finally, is to highlight the need for adult education funding.

The KDK-Harman GED Award of Excellence will award $25,000 to 1st place, $15,000 to 2nd place and $10,000 to 3rd place organizations, respectively. All applications will be reviewed by an expert panel from Texas State University. Applications are due September 14, 2007. As a culminating event, applicants will be invited to attend a GED Collaborative Learning Session facilitated by the Texas State University expert panel, followed by a Lunch and Award Ceremony to be held on October 24th at The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Janet Harman, Founder and President of the KDK-Harman Foundation states, "This award will identify outstanding adult education programs that are educating nontraditional students, while at the same time rewarding those who go above and beyond in the way they instruct GED classes. It is important to ensure that these students are supported and encouraged to complete their GED and look at post-secondary and workforce opportunities, as they are important members of our community."

About KDK-Harman Foundation

KDK-Harman Foundation was founded by Janet E. Harman in December of 2004. The Foundation provides financial assistance to charitable organizations that serve economically disadvantaged Central Texas families through educational programs. The ultimate goal of such funding is to transform their lives from poverty to financial independence to enable a better life for themselves and future generations. In short, the mission of the KDK-Harman Foundation is to break the cycle of poverty through education.