WASHINGTON - July 7, 2014 - Fisher-Price is the latest organization to join the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21), the nation's leader advocating for 21st century readiness for every student. Fisher-Price, one of the world's largest manufacturers of infant and preschool gear and toys in the world,joins P21's diverse coalition of education leaders, business community, and policymakers supporting student readiness for college, career, and citizenship along the entire continuum of learning.

Brenda Andolina, Director of Global Communications, will represent Fisher-Price on P21's strategic council and will contribute to P21's ongoing work and the organization's new initiative on early learning.

"P21 is clearly a thought leader on the topic of educational preparedness. Our mission to enrich early childhood through stimulating play experiences combined with our belief that early intervention leads to early advantage aligns perfectly to the focus and urgency of P21's latest efforts," shared Brenda Andolina. "We are honored to be involved in the very important conversations and initiatives they convene to benefit youth around the world."

"Fisher-Price brings a crucial early learning perspective and additional expertise on the power of play for learning to P21," said Dr. Helen Soulé, P21 Executive Director. "We look forward to having a strong collaborative partner in Fisher-Price and expanding our powerful network of advocates in support of 21st century teaching and learning for all students," added Stephan Turnipseed, chair of P21 and president emeritus and executive director of strategic partnerships at LEGO Education.

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About P21

P21 is a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, P21 and its members provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system keep up by fusing the 3Rs and 4Cs (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation). While leading districts and schools are already doing this (see Exemplar Program), P21 advocates for local, state and federal policies that support this approach for every school. www.p21.org

About Fisher-Price:

Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) located in East Aurora, N.Y., is the leading brand of infant and preschool toys in the world. The company's legacy of high quality toys has enhanced early childhood development for more than 80 years. The Fisher-Price Play Laboratory, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was the first child research center of its kind in the industry. Herman Fisher established the Play Lab to observe real children playing with the company's toys during various stages of development. The Play Lab remains at the heart of product development today. Some of the Company's best-known "classic" brands include Little People®, Power Wheels® and View-Master®. Fisher-Price is also a leading developer of baby gear products (infant swings, bouncers, high chairs), as well as a wide array of character-based toys inspired by high quality children's programming such as Dora the Explorer™, Kung Fu Panda 2™, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Penguins of Madagascar™ and Thomas & Friends™. The Company's web site, www.fisher-price.com<http://www.fisher-price.com>;, provides valuable information and resources to parents and grandparents.

P21 Members: Apple Inc., Bahcesehir K-12 Schools, Cable in the Classroom, The College Board, Common Sense Media, Crayola, Destination Imagination, EdLeader21, EF Education, Education Networks of America, Ford Motor Company Fund, Gale Cengage Learning, Goddard Systems Inc., Intel Corporation, JP - Inspiring Knowledge, Learning.com, LEGO Education, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Education Association, PBS, Pearson Foundation, People to People Ambassador Programs, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, VIF International Education, and The Walt Disney Company.

P21 Leadership States: Arizona, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Media contacts:

Tatyana Warrick, P21, tatyana@p21.org, 202-312-6430

Brenda Andolina, Fisher-Price, brenda.andolina@fisher-price.com

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