Washington, D.C. - With almost one year until Census Day 2000, U.S. Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley will unveil a nationwide Census in Schools project and announce the mailing of materials to thousands of educators nationwide. Daley will be joined by Census Bureau Director Kenneth Prewitt and Commerce Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Robert J. Shapiro. The project is aimed at increasing awareness among America?,s children and their families about the need to participate in Census 2000. It also is designed to educate children across America about the importance of the census to their schools and communities.

The event will feature discussion about a Census in Schools lesson between Daley and Prewitt, and a group of fifth grade students. Following the lesson, Daley, Shapiro and Prewitt will meet with the news media. Various representatives from educational associations will be present to help kick off the project and answer questions from the media.

The Census Bureau will provide a video news release of the event later that day. It will be available via satellite (same-day transmission) or upon request to the Census Bureau. Contact Tom Webster at 301-457-3045 for details.

WHO: U.S. Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Robert J. Shapiro, and U.S. Bureau of the Census Director Kenneth Prewitt

WHAT: Census in Schools Kickoff Event and Press Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, March 9, 1999
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Marie Reed Community Learning Center
2200 Champlain Street, N.W
Washington, D.C. (Corner of 18th and Kalorama in Adams Morgan)