Wozniak to receive award for helping others

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has been named as a recipient of the Heinz Award, for his charitable efforts with the arts and his work to expand computer literacy in schools.

The award, which recognizes individuals who have helped the lives of others, is presented annually in memory of Pennsylvania Senator John Heinz, who was killed in a 1991 plane crash. Recipients will receive a US$250,000 award during a ceremony in Washington, DC on March 5.

Wozniak founded Apple with Steve Jobs in 1977. Since retiring from business, he has worked as a teacher himself and provides funds and time to educational institutes and the arts.

Wozniak will share the recognition with five others, including a psychiatrist, a dance instructor, an environmental researcher who specializes in global warming, a civil rights activist and an environmental advocate.

Last October, Wozniak spoke to some 200 teachers at the AppleVention convention at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY. Wozniak told teachers of his childhood influences, the devilish side of him most people don’t know about, his early days with Steve Jobs, and his love of education and ideas.

Wozniak operates a Web site giving his take on various issues and answering reader questions.