Scripps National Spelling Bee Names Microsoft its 2014 Official Technology Champion

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Apr 08, 2014, 09:00 ET

CINCINNATI, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest and longest-running educational program is collaborating with the world's largest software company.

Today, the Scripps National Spelling Bee named Microsoft Corp. the Official Technology Champion of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

"Like the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Microsoft is deeply committed to supporting educators and educational programs. In fact, since 2003, Microsoft has partnered with educators to impact more than 207 million students in 119 countries," said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. "Through this relationship, both the Bee and Microsoft will be able to better support educators and educational programs."

The collaboration includes a number of components, including:

A Windows 8 spelling app for teachers and students. The app will be free and available in the next few weeks on the Microsoft in Education download page.
From today until the Bee, Microsoft's Bing for Schools daily lessons plans will include a special bonus lesson focused on spelling. And schools enrolled in Bing for Schools ad-free, safer, more private search will see spelling-related surprises for certain queries.
Starting tomorrow, April 9, a Bing for Schools daily Word of the Day will be available on the Bee's Facebook page.
A Microsoft onsite experience at Bee Week including educational tools available for Scripps National Spelling Bee competitors in Washington, D.C.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee started in 1925 with nine contestants. Today, it is estimated that more than 11 million students participate each year. This is the 87^th annual National Spelling Bee.

"Spelling is a vital component for communicating, a skill highly valued in the best jobs of today and in the future," said Margo Day, vice president of U.S. Education, Microsoft. "Microsoft has long been committed to ensuring all students have access to innovative and immersive technology that both inspires and improves their education experience, so collaborating with the 87-year legacy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee as the technology champion is an honor for us."

Microsoft has a long history of supporting educators and educational initiatives. Its primary focus is on promoting digital literacy in education, and Microsoft has been at the forefront of expanding the impact of education and accelerating the growth potential of every student, educator and school.

At Bee Week, international attention will shine on young spellers vying for the coveted title of champion. The Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place May 27-29 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the Washington, D.C., area. The Championship Finals will be broadcast live on ESPN on Thursday, May 29 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT.

About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest-running educational program. The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is to help students improve spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all of their lives. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company.

About Scripps:
The E.W. Scripps Company (www.scripps.com ) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, print and digital media brands. After approval of its acquisition of two Granite Broadcasting stations later this year, Scripps will own 21 local television stations as well as daily newspapers in 13 markets across the United States. It also runs an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses including online multi-source video news provider Newsy. Scripps also produces television programming, runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serves as the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1879, Scripps is focused on the stories of tomorrow.

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company