Teachers in the St. Paul, North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale and South Washington County school districts received 3M Ingenuity grants totaling more than $130,000 for classroom programs ranging from "First in Math" curriculum to a forensic science unit. Forty-one recipients will be recognized today at a reception at 3M's headquarters in St. Paul. Fifteen grants will be presented to South Washington County teachers on May 5, 2004.

3M Ingenuity Grants recognize public school teachers in grades three to eight, who bring new and innovative opportunities into their classroom to raise student interest and achievement in math, science and economics. Individual grants of up to $3,500 help purchase materials such as microscopes, calculators and books; or develop creative teaching methods. Participation is by invitation and the program is targeted to schools in communities where 3M has facilities.

"Teachers are always looking for new and innovative teaching methods to help get students excited about learning, said Alex Cirillo, staff vice president, 3M Community Affairs and Workforce Diversity. "These teachers bring passion and commitment to their classrooms and we are pleased to help them make their ideas a reality."

3M awarded 87 grants totaling more than $200,000 to teachers in seven states. The following list includes several of the 2004 grant recipients: (To see a list of all of the 2004 recipients, visit our Web site at http://www.3m.com/about3M/community/happenings.jhtml).

-- Susan Fourniea, a science teacher at Cleveland Quality Middle School, St. Paul, will receive $3,500 for equipment needed for life science experiments. Students will develop experiments to check on animal life at Belwin Environmental Park.

-- Angie Leitch, a fourth grade teacher at Newport Elementary in Newport, will receive $1,600 for "First In Math," an online math program. Students will have an opportunity to improve math skills through online math games.

-- Maree George, family and consumer sciences teacher at John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood, will receive $3,400 to open a school store. Through an enhanced curriculum and hands-on experience, students will learn how to run a business.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

3M people are finding new ways to make amazing things happen. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. 3M's Contributions Program is made up of cash and in-kind gifts and is bolstered by employee and retiree volunteerism. In 2002, 3M and the 3M Foundation donated more than $50.4 million to educational and charitable institutions.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon are trademarks of 3M.

3M, St. PaulJacqueline L. Berry, 651-733-3611http://www.3m.com/profile/pressbox/media_contacts.jhtml