Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - 06/22/04

Houghton Mifflin Partners to Launch United Way Math, Science and Technology After-School Initiative

BOSTON, Mass. - June 22, 2004 - In an effort to develop and expand math, science and technology curriculum in after-school programs, Houghton Mifflin has joined United Way of Massachusetts Bay and more than twenty Life Sciences companies as a founding sponsor of the United Way Math, Science and Technology After-School Initiative.

The multi-phased initiative is the newest program of United Way of Massachusetts Bay's commitment to provide kids with a healthy start and skills for a successful future. The initial phase will begin in September 2004, and focus on engaging middle school youth in the Cambridge Public School District and Somerville Public Schools in after-school programs that provide opportunities to learn about math, science and technology, and interact with the powerful Life Sciences industry that exists in the Boston metro area.

"A child's education should never start or stop when the bell rings-children spend eighty percent of their waking hours outside of the classroom," said Collin Earnst, vice president of communications at Houghton Mifflin. "It is essential that our future leaders and workforce be provided with the resources, opportunities, and exposure that will foster their inherent interests. After-school programs are the perfect forum to create dreams in math, science and technology."

Middle school students in Cambridge and Somerville will be able to participate in this public and private community collaborative through after-school programs at the East End House, Cambridge Community Center, and the Elizabeth Peabody House. As the after-school educational programs, mentoring, and internships progress, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and its partners hope to replicate the program model in additional communities, include summer activities and learning opportunities for high school youth, and ultimately increase the number of employment and job placement opportunities in the Life Sciences and related industries. For more information, please visit www.uwmb.org.

About United Way of Massachusetts Bay
United Way of Massachusetts Bay is a nonprofit organization with a proven track record for helping individuals achieve their own limitless potential. It is their priority to effect positive change by reducing the barriers to social and economic opportunity, especially for children and families facing multiple obstacles. Investments are targeted to four interdependent areas: healthy child development, increasing youth opportunities, sustainable employment, and affordable housing. Through public policy, volunteer mobilization, and by raising and guiding the investment of over $40 million dollars annually in a diverse portfolio of community-based organizations, UWMB opens the doors to social and economic opportunity.

About Houghton Mifflin
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with over $1 billion in sales. Houghton Mifflin publishes textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and non-fiction for adults and young readers. Additionally, Houghton Mifflin offers computer-administered testing programs and services for the professional and certification markets. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company's Web site can be found at www.hmco.com.

CONTACT:
Nicole Evans
Public Relations Specialist
Houghton Mifflin Company
617-351-3817
nicole_evans@hmco.com