Education Initiatives

SAS CEO Jim Goodnight believes that education is the engine of economic growth. As a high tech company, SAS depends on a strong educational system for its long-term success. By supporting efforts that prepare more graduates for college, work and success in the 21st century, SAS continues to play a vital role in the global community.

SAS supports the following strategic efforts to improve education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM):

• The North Carolina 1:1 Learning Technology Initiative
  Provides students and teachers with laptops, professional development, and support.
• SAS® Programming for High School
  SAS provides teaching materials, software, and teacher training at no cost to high schools.
• NC Science Festival
  SAS is a platinum sponsor of this statewide showcase of science activities.
• NC Center for International Understanding
  This program’s goal is to ensure that North Carolina is the most globally engaged state in the nation.
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
  NBPTS advances the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards.
• Common Core Standards
  SAS supports this effort to define common curriculum standards for all states.

Mathematics Focus

• Algebra Readiness Initiative
  A collaborative effort helping mathematics teachers identify and engage in highly effective instructional practices and address disparities in mathematics achievement related to race and income. Schools in the Triangle High Five Partnership, which includes five public school districts (Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Durham, Johnston, Orange, and Wake County) are striving to increase the number of students who are prepared to be successful in Algebra 1 in middle school.
• After-School Algebra Tutoring Pilot
  A pilot project at a North Carolina high school helps more students become proficient in Algebra I by the end of ninth grade. This program offers professional development, after-school support and instructional strategies designed to improve academic performance in Algebra 1.

SAS also supports other efforts devoted to improving the quality of education, including the JOBS Commission, the Wake Education Partnership, the Public School Forum and other nonprofits.