Poulsbo, WA— March 9, 2000

Washington, D.C. -- Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA) acknowledged the efforts made by Paladin Data of Poulsbo, Washington. In its first year of a three-year program, Paladin is donating its time and resources to train teachers in Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce Counties' public schools. For its commitment to working with teachers, improving student learning and expanding their skills, Gorton presented Paladin Data with one of his 'Innovation in Education' Awards.

"I applaud Paladin Data Systems Corporation's commitment to education," stated Gorton. "Paladin gives our teachers more information and skills that they can take back to their students and also shows teachers what skills employers are looking for in perspective employees, giving their students a leg up on the competition. Paladin's involvement is not only improving the education of our students, but also giving them an accurate picture of what skills they need well-before they enter the job market."

Paladin Data has lent its support to the West Sound School-to-Career Consortium which serves seven school districts in Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce Counties to help give Washington students the necessary skills for the ever-growing high tech market. West Sound Consortium works with over 14,000 students who are interested in computers and want to gain more high-tech skills.

Paladin Data offers training to teachers in the West Sound Consortium at Paladin's facility in Poulsbo or at designated school district sites. Also, each school district will determine what training their teachers will receive based on the specific needs of their students. If teachers choose to go through all three years of the training, teachers could qualify as Microsoft Systems Engineers, a level of knowledge and skills greatly beneficial to their students.

Above and beyond their training seminars for teachers, Paladin has donated $50,000 of in-kind contributions to the West Sound Consortium which will add to the $100,000 state grant. This funding will go towards curriculum materials, setting up and maintaining training classrooms, and instructors.

"I find it encouraging to see companies like Paladin Data contributing to our booming economy and taking an active role in ensuring that every child has a quality education. I look forward to hearing about more companies making a contribution to our children's future," concluded Gorton.