Bellevue man wins Stanford award

Lou August, a pioneer in getting technology and refurbished computers into the classroom, is one of this year's John Stanford Education Heroes, an award given by the U.S. Department of Education.

He was one of 10 winners of the national award yesterday. Winners were selected for their commitment to improving schools and communities and increasing learning opportunities for students.

August is executive director of Bellevue's Wilderness Technology Alliance, an organization that works to create partnerships with schools and create programs where students apply technology to hands-on education and gain professional skills.

The alliance operates a statewide computer-refurbishing program, in which students help upgrade used computers and send them to needy schools and families.

The award was named in honor of John Stanford, the late Seattle schools

superintendent.