The [NYC] Department of Education was awarded yesterday for its cell phone incentive program.

The DOE received the 2008 Cannes Lion Titanium Award for the most innovative and groundbreaking idea of the year for the pilot program, which awards middle school students with cell phones in exchange for improved academic performance.

Schools Chancellor Joel Klein was criticized for the program for sending mixed messages, since student who won the phones were then banned from bringing them into schools.

The city beat out 432 competitors worldwide for the award.

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