Boca Raton, FL April 01, 2008 -- The School District of Palm Beach County and Océ North America announced today that the BankAtlantic Foundation has contributed $2,500 and the Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation $5,000 toward the Océ Future Authors Writing Project to help underwrite expenses for summer writing workshops. 

The program, which is being offered for the third year, includes a free eight-day summer workshop designed to help students experience becoming published authors.  Students learn how to improve their writing skills, gain hands-on understanding of how authors are published, and learn about today's digital print and publishing opportunities.

Students gain insight into the process of writing, editing, and digitally publishing books through interactions with Océ executives, as well as published authors, who speak to the students.  The day-long sessions are taught by certified Palm Beach County teachers.  Writings from each student are then compiled and digitally printed in final book form by Boca Raton-based Océ North America Production Print Division.  The book is unveiled at a book signing hosted by the Barnes & Noble Boca Raton store.

"An accomplished author himself, Lawrence Sanders delighted in seeing young people develop a love of writing," said J. Daniel Brede, a trustee for the Foundation.  "This is just the kind of program he would have wanted us to support."

"The BankAtlantic Foundation is committed to supporting education in the communities where we operate and is proud to support future authors through this wonderful program," echoed Melinda Lee, vice president of community relations for BankAtlantic.

Sheryl Pattek, vice president of marketing for Océ North America's Production Printing Systems Division  in Boca Raton, said the growing community support reflects the success of the program. "We salute these wonderful community organizations who share our commitment to creating a fun and inspiring educational program for our youth."

Since its inception in 2006, nearly 100 students have participated in the Océ Future Authors Writing Project.  The 2008 workshop will be held Monday through Thursday, the weeks starting June 9 and June 16 at Boca Raton High School, 1501 N.W. 15th Ct., Boca Raton, FL 33486.  Palm Beach County high school and middle school students, entering seventh grade and above, may apply for the program through their school's language arts coordinator.  Student selections will be made in early May.  For more information about the program, contact program coordinator, Mary Wilson, at [email protected].

The authors scheduled to address the Future Authors include:

•    Rhonda Pollero, after selling her first romantic suspense, LEGAL TENDER, in 1993, has since penned more than 30 novels and landed on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, Bookscan and the Ingram's Top 50 List. She has received numerous awards and her work has been excerpted in Cosmopolitan Magazine. She writes for Harlequin, Ballantine, Kensington and Simon & Schuster. Her website is  www.RhondaPollero.com.  (June 9)

•    Ray Gosa is a career educator of some 20+ years. He has written several textbooks aimed at relieving the learning struggles of secondary students. Among his books are Bridging the Chasm; 42 Days to Reading Fluency (books 1 and 2); Thirty-Six Stars (Second Edition); Vocabulary Power with Connotative Precision; and Flashes of Insight. His books are an original mix of very necessary and novel teaching strategies along with intriguing story lines and plots. (June 10)

•    Dr. Laurence Miller received his Doctorate in Psychology from the City University of New York. A former program director of the Neurobehavioral Treatment Center at Fair Oaks Hospital in Delray Beach, Dr. Miller has also held teaching positions at the City University of New York and at Seton Hall University. He lectures and writes widely on topics pertaining to the brain, behavior, health, and society. The author of INNER NATURES: BRAIN, SELF, AND PERSONALITY, he is currently in private practice in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and psychotherapy in Boca Raton. (June 11)

•    James O. Born, author of Field of Fire, Escape Clause, Shock Wave   and Walking Money, is a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). He has been involved in investigations in such areas as organized crime, violent crimes, economic crimes, drug cartels, and public corruption. (www.Jamesoborn.com ) (June 17)

•    Jonathon King is the author of six critically acclaimed, award-winning novels, including his new South Florida thriller Acts of Nature.  Among his other books are The Blue Edge of Midnight, an Edgar Award winner, and Eye of Vengeance. His novels have been published all over the world, including the UK, Germany, France, Finland, Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands.  His children attend Palm Beach public schools. (www.jonathonking.com) (June 18)

•    Sally J. Ling is author, speaker, freelance writer and media specialist.  She has written five books and specializes in historical non-fiction and fiction. Among her books are Run the Run In: South Florida During Prohibition and A History of Boca Raton. She wrote regularly for the Palm Beach edition of the Sun Sentinel for four years and has written for local magazines for over six years.  (June 19 )

As founders of the Future Authors program, Océ executives believe the age of digital publishing will open up more opportunities for these aspiring authors. "Digital printing technologies are revolutionizing the business of book publishing," said Pattek. "Publishers can now cost-effectively print books in run lengths anywhere from 1 to 10,000 creating exciting opportunities for new talent-like these future authors-who now can get their works published.  It brings a rich diversity of books to market for all of us to enjoy.  As a leader in providing digital printing solutions for the book industry, Océ is delighted to support the Future Authors Program and to help make the children's dream a reality."

 "When students have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to have their work published, their love of writing is ignited even more, giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams," added Mary Wilson. "We are thrilled that our new corporate partners are helping to turn into reality our dream to bring this program to students throughout the county."