Tag Archives: STEM education

BioBuilder funded to expand student opportunity in rural and urban areas through its collaborative after school program

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Thanks to a two-year grant recently awarded by BioMADE, the BioBuilder Educational Foundation will expand a program that has supported thousands of high school inventors over the last decade. BioBuilder is leading the project, "Launching High School Bioengineers on their Paths to College and Careers," with funding that will bring the authentic tools and approaches for engineering biology to BioBuilderClub students nationwide in collaboration with East Tennessee State University, Ars Biotechnica, and Daicel Arbor Biosciences.

Support from BioMADE will enable these organizations to provide teams of young innovators new opportunities to design, build and test their biodesigns, and submit their research for publication as peer-reviewed manuscripts in BioTreks (Ars Biotechnica). Industry-standard biomanufacturing reagents and mentorship from professional scientists will be provided by Daicel Arbor, while East Tennessee State University will expand the geographic and demographic reach of the BioBuilderClub and spearhead a rigorous evaluation of its impact.

Thomas Tubon, Chief Workforce Development Officer for BioMADE said, "With the bioeconomy expected to contribute over a million jobs in this field by 2030, and the growing desire to connect local feedstocks to nearby manufacturing capabilities, a program like this is essential as it can raise awareness and provide opportunities to students, regardless of geography or demography."

Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder, Dr. Natalie Kuldell shared that, "We are thrilled to be building momentum in non-traditional STEM hubs. By simultaneously training students and celebrating their achievements, this work will draw students into the exciting and creative sides of science and engineering. It will also increase awareness among community stakeholders, including parents of participating students, high school teachers, college admissions officers, and relevant local businesses."

These goals are fully aligned with the recently signed Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy that establishes the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative. The National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative will create jobs, leverage biotechnology to build more resilient supply chains, improve health outcomes, and lower prices for Americans by expanding biomanufacturing capacity, creating market pathways for bio-based products, training a diverse workforce, and fostering innovation.

About BioBuilder:

Created by an award-winning team from MIT, BioBuilder empowers teachers and schools to better serve students and employers by elevating the skills that students are taught. Founded in 2011, BioBuilder has grown to partner with schools in almost every state and around the world. BioBuilder builds confidence in teachers to learn and apply the synthetic biology curricula, and provides laboratory kits and an openly accessible textbook that enable experiential learning.

BioBuilder also works directly with district and community leaders to identify potential roadblocks to narrow the gap between science innovation and science education -- at least for biology - across the U.S., and better match the skill of our nation's workforce to the needs of the synthetic biology industry. Learn more by visiting https://biobuilder.org/.

About BioMADE:

Launched in 2021, BioMADE is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of 150+ members across 29 states are strengthening American competitiveness, creating a more resilient supply chain, and helping the U.S. becoming more self-sufficient. Learn more about BioMADE by visiting https://www.biomade.org/.

About ETSU:

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public research university in Johnson City, Tennessee. It is the fourth largest university in the state with nearby off-campus centers. It hosts the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, often ranked as one of the top schools in the United States for rural medicine and primary care education; the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, and the recently formed College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. Learn more about ETSU at https://www.etsu.edu/.

About Ars Biotechnica:

Ars Biotechnica is a public nonprofit corporation with the goal of teaching high school students and teachers about synthetic biology. They publish BioTreks, the first international synthetic biology journal to be authored and reviewed by high school students. The journal is intended to give participating students the valuable experiences of writing and evaluating scientific papers, while offering them opportunities to share their own synthetic biology ideas, techniques, and results in a professionally edited, online publication. Learn more by visiting https://biotreks.org/.

About Daicel Arbor Biosciences:

Daicel Arbor Biosciences, a subsidiary of Chiral Technologies, Inc. (part of Daicel Corporation), is a biotech company that is specialized in targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), in situ hybridization probe design, and cell-free protein expression. Their products and services have been utilized in broad applications in genomics, cytogenetics, and synthetic biology. They have served customers in plant, animal, human, bacteria, and virus areas for more than fifteen years. Learn more by visiting https://arborbiosci.com/.

Thanks to a two-year grant recently awarded by BioMADE, the BioBuilder Educational Foundation will expand a program that has supported thousands of high school inventors over the last decade. BioBuilder is leading the project, "Launching High School Bioengineers on their Paths to College and Careers," with funding that will bring the authentic tools and approaches for engineering biology to BioBuilderClub students nationwide in collaboration with East Tennessee State University, Ars Biotechnica, and Daicel Arbor Biosciences.

Related link: https://biobuilder.org/

RICE Grant Enables HBCU Green Fund to Expand STEM & Energy Training, Mentorship, and Internship Opportunities for Atlanta University Center Students

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- The HBCU Green Fund recently announced a partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) that increases their capacity to train, mentor and identify internships in energy and STEM industries for students at the Atlanta University Center (AUC). A Department of Energy grant to RICE provides resources for the AUC Energy Project, including a fellowship program exposing students from various majors to emerging opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability.

"We are pleased that the Russell Innovation Center supports a comprehensive program to expose HBCU students to careers in the energy sector, provide them with marketable skills, and introduce students to successful entrepreneurs and leaders working in STEM," said Illai Kenney, national program director, HBCU Green Fund. "Projects like this help to create a pipeline of minority thought leaders in climate and energy and ensure that HBCU graduates stand out in a highly competitive labor market. For instance, the Biden-Harris administration just announced plans to build a $5 billion network of electric vehicle chargers on interstate highways nationwide as part of their infrastructure bill, AUC Energy Fellows will be prepared for those jobs."

The AUC Energy Project offers training across the energy landscape, including wind, solar, energy efficiency and Electric Vehicle Charging Station entrepreneurial opportunities. After completing Energy Audit training, the fellows will contribute to an investment-grade audit on the campuses of Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. Several AUC Energy Fellows will participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a collegiate competition where teams of students compete to design and build sustainable solar-powered house.

"Students at the Atlanta University Center have a unique advantage being located directly across the street from the Russell Center, the largest non-profit center in the country providing a space and resources for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, and create jobs," said Brittany Saadiq, director of development, RICE. "This program gives AUC students access to extraordinary talent and cutting-edge technology."

Thought leaders sharing career advice, mentoring, and business opportunities include HBCU graduates Dr. Anthony Kinslow, CEO of Gemini Energy Solutions; Sheryl E. Ponds Founder and CEO of Dai Technologies; and Gilbert Campbell, founder and CEO of Volt Energy Utility LL; along with AUC faculty mentors Dr. Armita Davarpa, Spelman College, Dr. Cynthia Hewitt, Morehouse College, Dr. Olu Olatidoye, Clark Atlanta University.

An HBCU Energy and STEM Internship registry is currently in development with several summer apprentice opportunities already identified. The 2022 AUC fellows are: Sophia Boyd (Spelman), Serena Echols (Spelman), Indrianna Bowleg (Spelman), Brionna Findley (Spelman), N'Dya Jeffries (Clark Atlanta), Conrad Mctavish (Morehouse), Jason Gill (Morehouse), Ihunanya Destiny Agomuoh, (Spelman), Noah Bacon-Angevine (Morehouse), and Andre Brown (Morehouse).

The HBCU Green Fund is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization working to advance campus-wide sustainability at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and promote student engagement in green initiatives. The organization produces the HBCU Green Report, a ranking of green initiatives on HBCU campuses. In April the organization co-host's the annual BIPOC Climate Justice Dialogue, an opportunity for climate justice scholars, organizers, and funders to discuss national climate goals and Justice40 priorities with government agencies.

For more information on the HBCU Green Fund and AUC Project visit https://hbcugreenfund.org/.

The HBCU Green Fund recently announced a partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) that increases their capacity to train, mentor and identify internships in energy and STEM industries for students at the Atlanta University Center (AUC). A Department of Energy grant to RICE provides resources for the AUC Energy Project, including a fellowship program exposing students from various majors to emerging opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability.

Related link: http://hbcugreenfund.org/

Virtual tech event highlights local STEM professionals during WHAT I CAN BE! Tech Career Showcase

NEW ORLEANS, La. /ScoopCloud/ -- LifeSkills Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to youth entrepreneurship and workforce training advocacy, is hosting TECHCharge NOLA 2021, a virtual tech career expo and speakers forum on Saturday, March 13 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. via live stream on Facebook, LinkedIn, and BoothCentral.

The event is designed to encourage Louisianians to explore tech career pathways for 21st-century jobs in information technology, computer science, engineering, healthcare, gaming, cybersecurity, applied science, and digital media. The event's goal is to inspire youth, young adults, and retrainable or transitioning adults to pursue hard and soft skill tech jobs.

Attending guests will hear local tech and STEM professionals, including Christopher Reade, Founder and CEO of LookFar and Carrollton Enterprise Services; Malik Mingo, TV Host, WWL-TV; Sabrina Short, Founder & CEO, NOLAvate Black; Scottie Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), U.S. Army & Cyber Engineer, Perspecta - NASA Program and Anastasia Aubrey, Sr. Program Manager, DXC Technology discuss and take questions about their pathways to success during the WHAT I CAN BE! Tech Career Showcase.

Also, attendees will enjoy interactive exhibits by NOLA's top industry, academic, and non-profit organizations, hear panel discussions hosted by DXC Technology and The 15 White Coats, enjoy music by New Orleans's own DJ Polo, and win prizes. Guests can also help their favorite school or non-profit win a $1,000 cash donation by attending the event.

TECHCharge's current sponsors include PR Solutions, Delgado Community College, DXC Technology, The Slone Group, LifeSkills Foundation, and Venture Walk Business Partners.

To learn more and to register visit, http://www.tech2talent.com/ or go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/techcharge-nola-2021-a-virtual-tech-career-expo-speakers-series-tickets-135504783455 to register via Eventbrite. To exhibit or sponsor, contact Michelle Jackson, LifeSkills' Executive Director at events@prsolutionsllc.org or call 504-509-7094.

About LifeSkills

LifeSkills Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides mentoring to youth and aspiring youth entrepreneurs. The Foundation connects young leaders to experienced business and academic professionals via virtual and face-to-face platforms designed to ensure delivery of guidance, training, and financial support. The Foundation's mission is to help youth and youth business leaders build viable ventures and use their business know-how, leadership skills, and self-confidence to invest in their communities, create jobs, and prepare for the future workforce. Learn more: https://www.i-investcompetition.com/lifeskills-foundation

LifeSkills Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to youth entrepreneurship and workforce training advocacy, is hosting TECHCharge NOLA 2021, a virtual tech career expo and speakers forum on Saturday, March 13 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. via live stream on Facebook, LinkedIn, and BoothCentral.

Synthetic Biology for Tennessee Schools: BioBuilder Partners with Niswonger Foundation on $8.8M Federal Grant for STEM Education

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The BioBuilder Educational Foundation announced that they are to partner with the Niswonger Foundation on their award of an "Education Innovation and Research" (EIR) Grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will focus on educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

BioBuilder will provide teacher professional development in the area of synthetic biology through their Essentials and Master Teacher workshops. BioBuilder's Professional Development workshops impact a teacher's understanding of biology and their approach to teaching it. Co-taught by a practicing synthetic biologist and a high school teacher, workshops combine classroom, laboratory, and design activities that are both accessible and inspiring. Participants leave with ready-to-teach lessons that bring engineering into biology classrooms, labs, and science clubs.

Aligned with both the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, the BioBuilder curriculum brings modern context to ideas and content traditionally taught in high school and college classes. At the high school level, BioBuilder has been used in General, Honors, and AP Biology as well as Biotechnology classes. In addition to teacher professional development, BioBuilder will support as many as 19 participating school districts with lab kits available through Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Students will participate in project-based learning through the BioBuilder Idea Accelerator, a program that teaches legitimate biotechnology skill building and data analysis through a team-based approach to creative problem solving and professional quality communication. Interested students may also elect to further pursue their biodesign projects with a dedicated mentor through BioBuilder's out-of-school-time activity, the BioBuilderClub.

This partnership builds on BioBuilder's work in recent years in the Kingsport City Schools, supported by the Eastman Foundation and Carolina Biological Supply Company. In January and July 2019, all the biology teachers at the Dobyns-Bennett High School, as well as teachers from other Kingsport schools and faculty from East Tennessee State University attended BioBuilder Professional Development workshops. Thanks to their training, teachers now plan to provide all 2,500 students at Dobyns-Bennett with hands-on training in synthetic biology over the next four years. After their pilot year, teachers have seen how their students respond to the BioBuilder labs in amazing ways.

Evie LaFollette, Secondary Science Teacher, Kingsport City Schools shared, "We've seen the full spectrum of students doing the BioBuilder labs, and they all enjoy it. They're asking, 'When do we get to do the next one?'"

The EIR grant was awarded to the Niswonger Foundation to fund the Rural Tennessee STEM.LD program. The concept of Learning Design (the "LD" in "STEM.LD") is defined as "the creative and deliberate act of devising new practices, plans of activity, resources and tools aimed at achieving particular educational results in a given context". BioBuilder joins the Niswonger Foundation in the belief that designing student-centered learning ecosystems and pathways can lead to positive student outcomes, from K-12 student achievement to meaningful employment in the workforce post-high school.

BioBuilder is one of a number of partners supporting the Rural Tennessee STEM.LD program. Other educational resources and partners will include cybersecurity experiential opportunities from the University of Alabama at Huntsville; expertise in curriculum design in engineering technology from Purdue University; East Tennessee State University's math, epidemiology, graphics design and computer science programs; the ETSU Research Corporation; and STEM project-based programs including STREAMWORKS, the Marine Advanced Technology in Education for Inspiration and Innovation; and "If I Had a Hammer."

Announcement from the U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-announces-new-funding-accelerate-education-innovation-and-empower-teachers-professional-development-options-0

About the Niswonger Foundation

The Niswonger Foundation was established in 2001 to make a positive and sustainable difference in education in Northeast Tennessee. The Niswonger Foundation focuses on removing constraints to educational innovation and problem solving, thus allowing local school systems to better provide for student needs. By building school programs that are research-based and sustainable, the Niswonger Foundation has become a recognized voice for educational reform in the State of Tennessee, while nurturing the next generation of leaders. Learn more: https://www.niswongerfoundation.org/.

About BioBuilder Educational Foundation

Created by an award-winning team at MIT, BioBuilder offers new ways to teach, learn, and explore cutting-edge science and engineering. BioBuilder provides students the chance to integrate biology and engineering through practical, hands-on lessons, club activities, and school-to-work experiences. Teachers learn new methods of teaching that engage and inspire the young scientists in their classrooms.

Learn more: https://biobuilder.org/.

The BioBuilder Educational Foundation announced that they are to partner with the Niswonger Foundation on their award of an "Education Innovation and Research" (EIR) Grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will focus on educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Related link: https://biobuilder.org/

BioBuilder Founder and Executive Director Featured as 2020 MWM Trailblazer Award Winner

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dr. Natalie Kuldell, Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder, is being featured by Million Women Mentors, an initiative of STEMconnector, the nation's largest professional services organization dedicated to developing a diverse, STEM-ready workforce. In October 2020, Dr. Kuldell was named as one of the 26 winners for the Million Women Mentors (MWM) Trailblazer Awards, celebrating women in STEM who are well-accomplished leaders in their field and demonstrate excellence in the field of mentoring.

Dr. Kuldell is a winner in the STEM Trailblazer 2020 category; this award is for an individual who has made a significant contribution in a STEM field in 2020. She is joined by Kristy Salmon (BP), Lateefah Stanford (BP), Tonya Peeples (Penn State University), Heidi Gold-Dworkin (Little Scientists), Carlotta Arthur (Henry Luce Foundation), Linda Kekelis (STEM Next Opportunity Fund), Ronda Hamm (Corteva) and Kimberly Wright (Discovery Education).

Throughout this year, Dr. Kuldell has led BioBuilder's response to the changes in educational models due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in March 2020 with the closure of the Learning Lab at LabCentral to outside visitors, BioBuilder transitioned its curriculum to from in-lab and in-person instruction and interactions to provide one-of-a-kind online instruction in synthetic biology.

The pilot program, the Idea Accelerator, relied on the existing BioBuilder textbook and online resources, as well as BioBuilder's BioDesign framework to teach students life science and how to apply that science with an engineer's mindset. Over the course of three weeks, students asynchronously learned from Dr. Kuldell through online lectures about synbio and project design, and synchronously work with a team of peers to brainstorm, design, and present their own ideas to solve problems with novel biotechnologies.

With these adaptations, BioBuilder has been able to support hundreds of students and their teachers with novel content, meaningful social interactions, teamwork experiences, problem-based learning, and professional skill-building. Their online programming has grown to include multiple cohorts of the Idea Accelerator, the Project Development Studio, allowing teams to bring their biodesign projects and further pursue them with the help of an industry mentor, and BioBuilders 6-7-8, a program aimed at fostering interest and engagement of middle school students through interactive lectures and team biodesign projects, as well as free teacher professional development engagements throughout the fall.

About STEMconnector

Founded in 2011, STEMconnector is the leading organization working across all aspects of the STEM community from K-12 to global corporations. A research-driven professional services organization, STEMconnector provides corporate, postsecondary, K-12, nonprofit, and government members with enterprise-wide support to meaningfully develop, execute, and scale their STEM talent strategies. Learn more at http://www.stemconnector.com/.

About BioBuilder

Created by an award-winning team at MIT, BioBuilder offers new ways to teach, learn, and explore cutting-edge science and engineering. BioBuilder provides students the chance to integrate biology and engineering through practical, hands-on lessons, club activities, and school-to-work experiences. Teachers learn new methods of teaching that engage and inspire the young scientists in their classrooms. Visit https://biobuilder.org/ or reach out to info@biobuilder.org for more information.

*IMAGE for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1214s2p-kuldell-banner-300dpi.jpg

Dr. Natalie Kuldell, Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder, is being featured by Million Women Mentors, an initiative of STEMconnector, the nation's largest professional services organization dedicated to developing a diverse, STEM-ready workforce.

Related link: https://biobuilder.org/

PILLARZ LLC Online K-6 Education Introduces ‘Friends & Family’ 50% Discount Program

RENO, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- PILLARZ LLC (www.pillarzllc.com), a leading K-6 online educator, announced today its "Friends & Family" program.

Friends & Family provides parents the opportunity to enroll their child in any PILLARZ educational program for a month and receive a 50% discount for a sibling or friend.

Watch the Five-Minute Video Announcement: https://youtu.be/GNvfNLOXzCY

The Parent Mobile App for child enrollment is available from the Apple App Store as well as Google Play and can be downloaded directly from the https://www.pillarzllc.com/ site to a smart phone.

John Ochinero, PILLARZ Founder and CEO stated, "All of our classes are capped at five students to encourage advanced learning and to provide for a social environment." Ochinero continued, "Additionally, we are introducing Friends & Family so that a child enrolled for a month with any of our programs can share the educational experience with their sister, brother or best friend."

PILLARZ LLC Class Programs are "Enhance", "Thrive" and "Scholar" offering formats of 2-4 days and four to twelve hours per week. Enrollments can be by the week or month for additional savings.

PILLARZ offers enhanced scholarship in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Further, Special Education and advanced S.T.E.M. scholarship is available via their Individual Class format.

Parent consultation is free via a self-scheduling link on the PILLARZ Contact page. Further, PILLARZ pricing starts at under $100 for their entry level program "Enhance."

"We are kicking open the doors to make our accelerated, continuous assessment, targeted curriculum available to as many children as possible," stated Ochinero.

PILLARZ has partnered with awarded, USA based IXL for comprehensive curriculum which has a rich 20+ year award winning history and used by tens of millions of students in 190 countries.

Ochinero underscored, "Our mission is to provide a safe, highly educational environment where we consistently assess what educational tools will ensure students exceed their academic potential."

PILLARZ enters the market with proven, Licensed Educators with a passion for excellence, award winning curriculum, interactive engagement, and sophisticated Parent and Teacher Mobile Apps that seamlessly enrolls students. Learn more: https://www.pillarzllc.com/.

The PILLARZ mission is to assist children to reach for the stars!

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/GNvfNLOXzCY

Media Contact:
John Ochinero
john@pillarzllc.com
775-384-9263
855-745-5279
855-PILLARZ

John Ochinero LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnochinero/
Over 16,000 Followers
Over 1,000 Endorsements
Over 20 Written Recommendations

PILLARZ LLC, a leading K-6 online educator, announced today its "Friends & Family" program., providing parents the opportunity to enroll their child in any PILLARZ educational program for a month and receive a 50% discount for a sibling or friend.

Related link: https://pillarzllc.com/

Safe K-6 Education: Nevada-Based Distance Learning Startup

RENO, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- PILLARZ LLC, (www.pillarzllc.com) announced today remote K-6 education accelerator focused on empowering children focused on Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

PILLARZ LLC Class Programs are "Enhance," "Thrive" and "Scholar" offering formats of 2-4 days and four to twelve hours per week.

PILLARZ also offers Special Education and advanced S.T.E.M. education via their Individual Class format.

John Ochinero, Founder and CEO of PILLLARZ LLC stated "Our mission is to provide a safe, highly educational environment where we consistently assess what educational tools will ensure students meet and exceed their academic potential."

PILLARZ enters the market with proven Nevada licensed educators with a passion for excellence, award winning curriculum, interactive engagement, and sophisticated Parent and Teacher Mobile Apps that seamlessly enroll students.

PILLARZ provides an optimized small class environment with a maximum of five students.

Further, the student experience includes ongoing assessment, tutorials and exercises in academic fundamentals, virtual tours and guest speakers.

Parent and Teacher Interactive Apps

The PILLARZ Parent Mobile App is listed on Apple App Store as well as Google Play and may be downloaded directly from the https://pillarzllc.com/ site.

Immediately upon enrollment, PILLARZ Teachers are alerted via their Mobile App of a new enrollment and move to prepare Zoom or Google Meet Class credentials to ensure for a fully rewarding child educational experience.

Ochinero was quick to add that Parents are always welcome to self-schedule a consultation with a PILLARZ Principal via a link on the Contact page: https://pillarzllc.com/#contact.

About PILLARZ LLC

PILLARZ believes that children today are the pillars of society tomorrow.

PILLARZ is an online learning platform with live, interactive engagement with Nevada Licensed Teachers utilizing advanced video conferencing technology. Children have an opportunity to interact and share ideas in small class environment (3-5 students). We also offer customized, individual sessions for Special Education and Advanced Scholarship.

With an emphasis on security and offline learning, all sessions are recorded, and Parents are provided with keys to monitor classes in real time.

We look forward to hearing from you to explore how PILLARZ can contribute to your child's quest to reach for the stars!

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/WAPNZptIDUQ

PILLARZ LLC, (www.pillarzllc.com) announced today remote K-6 education accelerator focused on empowering children focused on Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

Related link: https://pillarzllc.com/

UF Lastinger Center for Learning Creates Free, Online Resource Hub

GAINESVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, in an effort to keep all students learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a new resource hub of free resources for students, parents and teachers. As students navigate distance learning, these research-based tip sheets and videos will lighten the burden. Included is free use of Math Nation which provides 24-hour access to thousands of instructional videos and on-demand support for middle school mathematics (Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, PSAT/NMSQT(R) and SAT(R)).

"These are trying times for more than 55 million students, their parents and teachers," said Dr. Philip E. Poekert, Director of the Lastinger Center. "Thanks to our many partners, funders and content experts, together we can alleviate the stress of these challenging times and reduce the negative impacts."

A report, released by NWEA, analyzed how students impacted by the school closures will suffer learning loss, similar to the "summer slide" they experience when out for summer breaks. Researchers estimate in math alone, students will begin the next school year with a 50-percent loss in learning gains. But they point out that with support such as distance learning, educators minimize losses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced earlier in the week that public schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

"Pinellas County teachers and parents are working tirelessly to support students through distance learning right now. We all want our students to continue connecting, growing, and learning," said Dr. Michael A. Grego, Superintendent, Pinellas County Schools. "Though COVID-19 disrupts our normal operations, online resources like the ones offered for free by the Lastinger Center for Learning serve as a critical lifeline to support student learning."

Mathematics, Literacy, Self-Care and Distance Learning Resources

The Lastinger Center works with experts from across the globe to garner and develop research-based activities and data to improve student learning, educator preparedness and effectiveness, and wellness supports for those working with children.

In addition to the mathematics support offered through Math Nation, the Lastinger Center leveraged materials from its Early Learning Florida program and its partnership with The Campaign for Grade Level Reading to provide multiple supports for those caring for young children. These include tip sheets and videos on everything from building resilience, to self-care, to establishing sound literacy practices for life-long learning. There are also tips for teachers navigating distance learning with their students including videos and recommendations for which platforms serve their needs.

As part of the College of Education at the University of Florida, the Lastinger Center works closely with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), an ongoing effort by faculty and students to improve literacy outcomes for students who struggle with reading and writing. UFLI has curated a comprehensive library of virtual literacy activities and support for children from birth through twelfth grade. Additionally, their proven strategies to help struggling readers is being adapted to a virtual learning environment so that teachers can continue offering intensive interventions to bridge the literacy gap in those who need it most.

About the University of Florida Lastinger Center

Housed within the College of Education, the Lastinger Center for Learning is a national leader in the design, delivery, and scaling of technology-enabled educational systems that transform teaching and learning. Focused on critical milestones of kindergarten preparedness, third grade reading proficiency, and ninth grade algebraic proficiency, the Lastinger Center envisions a world where every child and educator, regardless of circumstances, experiences high-quality learning every day. Since its founding in 2002, the Center has leveraged more than $130 million in private and public funding to develop high-impact programs, including Early Learning Florida, Literacy Matrix, and Math Nation, serving over one million students and teachers from birth through 12th grade.

Learn more at: https://lastinger.center.ufl.edu/

Follow on social:

* https://www.facebook.com/LastingerCenter/
* https://twitter.com/LastingerCenter
* https://www.linkedin.com/company/lastingercenter/
* https://www.instagram.com/lastingercenter/

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0422s2p-ouf-lastinger-300dpi.jpg

Today, the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, in an effort to keep all students learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a new resource hub of free resources for students, parents and teachers. As students navigate distance learning, these research-based tip sheets and videos will lighten the burden.

Related link: https://lastinger.center.ufl.edu/

To Help with Stay-At-Home Boredom, Author Makes Children’s Books Free to Save Parents’ Sanity

MEMPHIS, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Author Donald Jacobsen announced today that two of his children's books, "Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs" and "My Daddy the Amazing Nurse," will be given away for free in light of the pivot to homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling schools for the rest of the year across the United States. The books highlight medical workers, scientists, and other community helpers.

"As a parent staying at home with my kids and wife, we understand the struggle and stress of unexpected at-home schooling," says Donald Jacobsen. "Offering my books as an educational yet fun distraction is one way I knew I could help during this trying time."

Reviewers and parents are thrilled to have the resource, with one glowing review from Kristal Leon mentioning that the books are "filled with a diverse collection of occupations that celebrate the contributions that jobs in STEM fields make in our world. Created for young readers ages 2-7 . . . helps girls picture themselves in these important roles."

Both books teach kids about the roles of medical workers and community helpers. The books will be available for free starting today. To download, parents and educators can visit https://donaldjacobsen.com/books/freebooks/.

About Donald Jacobsen and his work as an author:

Donald is a husband, the proud father of two girls, a registered nurse, and a sometimes-writer living and working in Memphis, Tennessee. His book "Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs" recently won an Honorable Mention for the Picture Books 6 & Older category of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.

You can read more about Donald and his works at https://donaldjacobsen.com/.

IMAGE links for media:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-Jacobsen-books-300dpi.jpg
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0421s2p-Author-Jacobsen-300dpi.jpg

Author Donald Jacobsen announced today that two of his children's books, "Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs" and "My Daddy the Amazing Nurse," will be given away for free in light of the pivot to homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling schools for the rest of the year across the United States.

Related link: https://donaldjacobsen.com/

Galileo Learning Announced as New 100Kin10 Partner Ahead of Network Exceeding Goal of Training 100,000 New STEM Teachers by 2021

OAKLAND, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- 100Kin10, a national organization dedicated to solving the STEM teacher shortage by 2021, announced this month that Galileo joins 40 other new programmatic partners in its ranks this year. In addition to Galileo, new partners include Chicago Public Schools, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Council of Chief State School Officers, among others.

This is the seventh and final cohort of partners for 100Kin10 during its first 10 years. The organization launched in 2011 as an answer to President Obama's call during his 2011 State of the Union address to train 100,000 new STEM teachers in a decade. 100Kin10 is on track to exceed their goal of training 100,000 teachers by 2021, with more than 68,000 teachers currently trained.

"Since 2002, we've trained over 10,000 aspiring and current educators on innovative teaching strategies," says Glen Tripp, Galileo Founder and CEO. "We're ecstatic to take what we've learned a step further by joining 100Kin10, and committing to recruiting and training another 1000+ educators to teach innovation skills through project-based learning experiences by 2021. At least 30% of these leaders will focus specifically on elementary science and engineering. Once in their school-year classrooms, they'll also have ongoing access to our signature teaching model, as well as tools for application."

The final round of growth specifically focuses on 100Kin10's latest project: tackling what they've identified as the root causes of the STEM teacher shortage.

"This final group, including Galileo, is a welcome addition as we enter our final push in achieving our goal and look toward the future in solving systemic issues around the teacher shortage in America," said Talia Milgrom-Elcott, 100Kin10's executive director. "Each organization is doing incredible, inspiring work to build the movement for better, bolder and more accessible STEM education. We're thrilled to have them as our newest partners in collaboration, learning and continuous improvement to creatively solve the STEM teacher crisis."

Existing partners and an expert panel vetted and selected the 41 new partners, who will join a network of more than 280 current partners that includes the nation's top academic institutions, nonprofits, foundations, companies and government agencies. All partners register their commitments to ending the STEM teacher shortage through 100Kin10 and support one another to achieve those commitments by exchanging expertise, learning and resources.

About Galileo:

Galileo operates 100+ summer camp programs throughout California and Illinois, where more than 35,000 kids and over 2,500 staff will invent, design, create and play in summer 2019. Galileo's mission is to develop innovators who envision and create a better world. Founded in 2002 by Glen Tripp, Galileo is a certified B Corp, was named one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, and is a Real Leaders' 2019 Top Impact Company. Learn more: https://galileo-camps.com/.

About 100Kin10:

100Kin10 is network of best-in-class organizations collectively responding to the moonshot call to put 100,000 new, excellent STEM teachers in America's classrooms by 2021. Though their pioneering networked impact approach, 100Kin10 encourages multi-sector collaboration and provides the vision and resources to help nonprofits, foundations, academic institutions and businesses meet their ambitious commitments to educate the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. More information is available at http://www.100kin10.org/.

Media Contact
Viva Asmelash
510.595.7293 ext 2
viva@galileo-learning.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0917s2p-galileoHQ-300dpi.jpg
*PHOTO caption: Galileo colleagues gather together to envision and strategize for their award-winning education programs.

100Kin10, a national organization dedicated to solving the STEM teacher shortage by 2021, announced this month that Galileo joins 40 other new programmatic partners in its ranks this year. In addition to Galileo, new partners include Chicago Public Schools, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Council of Chief State School Officers, among others.

Related link: https://galileo-camps.com/

Coding School Start-Up for Kids and Teens Finds Success in Massachusetts, Opens New Location in Natick

NATICK, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- CS Recitations, a start-up coding school for kids and teens, announces the opening of a new location on Michigan Drive in Natick. What started in 2017 as a modest one-room school aimed at providing computer science classes to local students has doubled enrollment every year, leading to the opening of a new, larger facility this September.

Already some classes are waitlisted. CS Recitations is the vision of Founder David Horrigan, an MIT-educated computer scientist with a desire to share his passion for coding with area youth. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for his own children, he decided to create the school to fill what he perceived to be a growing need.

"We thought there would be a lot of interest. The growth has been really affirming and we are working hard to make our programs accessible to as many children as possible," said Horrigan.

Horrigan points to some unique aspects of CS Recitations's program that he believes are contributing to its strong growth. After years of research, Horrigan and his faculty developed a comprehensive curriculum for grades 2 through 12, offered at all levels from beginner to college level.

In contrast to camps and workshops, CS Recitations (CSR) offers a structured year-long program that children attend from September through late May.

"They come once per week for one to two hours, and they come back year after year. We have families who've been with us every year since we opened," said Horrigan. "While a one week program may be fun, you can't really learn skills or benefit from a computer science education in such a short time -- just like you wouldn't take one week of piano lessons, or two weeks of karate. It takes time to develop."

CSR distinguishes itself with the depth of education it provides. Classes are offered in Scratch 3, JavaScript, Java, Python, and HTML/CSS and are taught by experienced adults with degrees in computer science and mathematics. Several members of the team are also licensed teachers. There are even competition classes for students who like to compete.

Learn more about classes at: http://www.csrecitations.com/classes

Last year, one of CSR's students won first place nationally at the seventh grade level in the Continental Mathematics League Computer Science competition. Several students won regional awards.

Horrigan added, "Students in elementary school eagerly learn about the coordinate plane in order to move a sprite across the computer screen. They learn variables, functions, and logical operators. They learn how to simulate gravity so that their video games appear as realistic as possible. The best part is that all of this learning goes on while kids laugh, share, and produce original works of art, music, stories, games and animations! What could be better than a class about functions and variables that kids beg to attend? That's the environment that a great computer science class can create."

For more information about CS Recitations visit http://www.csrecitations.com/ .

About CS Recitations:
Based in Natick, Mass., CS Recitations provides after-school and summer coding and math classes to kids and teens at all levels. CS Recitations was founded in 2017 by David Horrigan.

Image links for Media:
*Logo image: http://www.csrecitations.com/images/logo.png

*Media image (web format): http://www.csrecitations.com/images/services/6.jpg
*Caption: CSR students work on platformer game together.

CS Recitations, a start-up coding school for kids and teens, announces the opening of a new location on Michigan Drive in Natick. What started in 2017 as a modest one-room school aimed at providing computer science classes to local students has doubled enrollment every year, leading to the opening of a new, larger facility this September.

Related link: http://www.csrecitations.com/

White Pine Ranked #1 East Idaho Charter School by SDE

AMMON, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- White Pine Charter School (WPCS) is pleased to announce their ranking as the highest-performing charter school in East Idaho by the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE). The SDE also rated White Pine as the fifth-highest East Idaho school overall, and among the highest 10% of schools statewide.

Each year, the SDE releases online report cards which give "grades" to public schools and public charter schools in Idaho. On August 13, IdEdNews.org organized this year's new SDE grades into a list for easier cross-district comparison. The resulting ranking showed White Pine as the highest-ranked charter school in the region encompassing Bingham, Bonneville, Fremont, Jefferson, and Madison counties.

WPCS Board Chairman Adam Frugoli says he is "extremely proud" of the ranking, but knows there will be more work ahead. "We are not satisfied," he says. "We want to be the best school in Idaho and we are committed to redesigning what public education can be here."

"I'm really excited about White Pine's continued academic success," says WPCS administrator Jeremy Clarke. "This just reinforces that there are successful (and free!) alternatives to the traditional schools in East Idaho. Our mission is 'Success for every student,' and we want that mission to show in our work, in our results, and in our students' lives."

The report is especially encouraging as White Pine opens their White Pine STEM Academy for its first school year on August 22. This new school will serve students from 7th to 9th grade and will work to connect advanced technology, project-based learning, and industry leaders to prepare students for the high-paying jobs of tomorrow (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). WPCS plans to expand the STEM Academy in coming years into a full high school. It is located on a five-acre property in Ammon (2664 First Street).

The SDE's report card is primarily based on objective student test achievement, but also includes factors like graduation rates, teacher retention, learner progress, and career readiness. Combining these scores gives each school an overall composite score or "grade."

Founded in 2001, White Pine Charter School is the largest and oldest charter school in East Idaho. They serve a diverse student body of more than 500 in kindergarten through 9th grade, with students coming from all over East Idaho.

For more information on WPCS and White Pine STEM Academy, visit https://whitepinecharterschool.org/.

For media contacts, please email Matt Wiltbank at wiltbankma@wpcscougars.org.

White Pine Charter School (WPCS) is pleased to announce their ranking as the highest-performing charter school in East Idaho by the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE). The SDE also rated White Pine as the fifth-highest East Idaho school overall, and among the highest 10% of schools statewide.

Related link: https://whitepinecharterschool.org/

Galileo Reaches Record-Breaking Financial Assistance Goal

OAKLAND, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Galileo Learning, an award-winning summer day camp provider and leader in the K-8 education space, continues to prioritize making high-caliber programs accessible to underserved kids. This month, Galileo hit a milestone in this effort by awarding over 10,000 sessions of financial assistance in one summer.

The financial assistance program has been a staple in Galileo's business model since its founding in 2002. Over the last two decades, the program has represented a company commitment valued at over $10.25 million.

"When we created Galileo, we wanted to design a business model that enabled us to serve thousands of lower-income campers-without depending on foundations or fundraising-and we're proud to have done just that," says Glen Tripp, Galileo Founder and CEO. "Our pricing model charges full price to the majority of our customers, which allows us to offer a sliding fee system for those with fewer resources or who might be going through a crisis in their lives. This year, more than 15 percent of our campers received support. We believe all kids should have access to high-quality summer programming, and we're committed to nurturing this program in the years to come."

Each year, Galileo launches the application in February for the upcoming summer. To connect with deserving families across California and Illinois, Galileo's team works closely with local school districts and organizations. More information on the financial assistance program: https://galileo-camps.com/details/financial-assistance/

About Galileo:
Galileo operates 100+ summer camp programs throughout California and Illinois, where more than 35,000 kids and over 2,500 staff will invent, design, create and play in summer 2019. Galileo's mission is to develop innovators who envision and create a better world. Founded in 2002 by Glen Tripp, Galileo is a certified B Corp, was named one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, and is a Real Leaders' 2019 Top Impact Company. Learn more: https://galileo-camps.com/

Galileo Learning, an award-winning summer day camp provider and leader in the K-8 education space, continues to prioritize making high-caliber programs accessible to underserved kids. This month, Galileo hit a milestone in this effort by awarding over 10,000 sessions of financial assistance in one summer.

Related link: https://galileo-camps.com/

Utah’s tech outcomes show the way out of Nation’s Tech Shortage

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Bottega is giving back in a big way to the community that has allowed it to experience tremendous growth. "We've already given more than $5 million of educational programs to high school students and teachers, and have plans to give another $5 million this summer. These programs are important to us because they directly address the needs of Utah in two critical areas, while also giving us the data we need to evolve our learning platform," says Eric Wold, Founder and CEO of Bottega.

Wold continued: "First, they expose 1,000s of bright young people to enjoyable hands-on coding programs that get them excited about careers in technology, with more than one-third of the participants being young women. While we'd like to see that number even higher, it's far above the national average, so we are moving in the right direction. It's very exciting to see these young people exceed preconceived expectations as they work through adult level computer science workshops and pick up industry ready career skills.

"Second, we are targeting one of the biggest challenges that schools have struggled with, and that's a shortage in teachers with the required Computer Science Endorsement credential. School districts can be stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to make a difference when they don't have enough qualified teachers to offer more sections of computer science classes, and subsequently have a hard time giving the learning experience each student needs. Once the State Board of Education recognized our programs by allowing Bottega to grant the Computer Science Endorsement training to public teachers, we stepped up by offering our training free to all public teachers. To date, 119 teachers have begun training that will allow the schools to offer more classes.

"People ask why a growing start-up would prioritize giving so much to the community. My answer is that technology education can be the great equalizer that brings economic security and freedom to every home and person that wants it. Governor Herbert gave us the economic climate, and pro-business and education policies that set the stage, but the private sector has to step up and answer that call, by partnering with the state, and through serious research and development into education innovation. We can't sit back and expect the state to do it all."

Pro-education and technology innovation policies have been a driving force behind these non-profit impact efforts with all of the following playing significant roles:

These sustainable programs will continue to grow year over year and impact more people. With community support to match the contributions, the impact could grow even faster.

* Bottega
* Governor Herbert's administration
* Code to Success
* STEM Action Center
* Representative John Knotwell
* The Utah Technology Council
* Mytechhigh.com
* Congressman John Curtis
* Utah State Board of Education
* Participating School Districts: Alpine, Box Elder, Cache, Canyons, Davis, Granite, Jordan, Logan, Morgan, Nebo, Ogden, Provo, Rich, Salt Lake, San Juan and Tooele

Outcome highlights so far:
* Trained 1,000+ Utah high school students in 2017-2018; another 1,000+ expected in the Summer of 2019 (in partnership with Code to Success)
* Training 119 Utah high school teachers, enabling them to receive Computer Science endorsements
* Training 510+ women as Software Engineers as a part of the Women in Tech initiative
* Launched veterans training in partnership with Utah VA services
* Launched a training partnership with the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) targeting economic-needs recipients
* Employed hundreds of Utah residents through partnerships with 127 innovative local and national companies
* Established a partnership with Rural Utah lead by Emery and Carbon counties. The Office of Rural Development (ORD) works with businesses in Utah's rural counties, providing resources and programs to sustain business and improve employment opportunities.

Programs currently offered by Bottega:
* Free summer Bootcamp programs for high schools in partnership with Code to Success
* Free online public teacher training with support
* Paid on-site public teacher training in partnership with Alpine, Nebo and Provo school districts
* Adult computer science training at on-site locations in Lehi Utah, Dawson Montana, Phoenix Arizona
* Adult computer science training online

About Bottega:

Bottega is a software company and a non-DOE accredited school found within the heart of Utah's growing Silicon Slopes community at Lehi. Bottega develops educational content and software that helps people make a successful transition into tech careers. It works with individuals and corporations in the U.S.A., Mexico, Spain, and is qualified to grant 3 year TN Work Visas to the US for Mexican Citizens who complete engineering certification. Students of Bottega earn industry relevant certifications while also having the opportunity to receive academic credit from more than 1,800 university members of the American Council on Education (one of Bottega's accrediting bodies).

Bottega has invested heavily into a state-of-the-art machine learning powered online education platform that helps it customize the curriculum experience for each individual student, while also meeting all the rigorous requirements for classroom management, allowing it to be used in formal academic settings. This development will allow it to massify high quality university level education, something that has never been achieved.

Its mission is to bless the lives of millions of people with high earning employment in the technology industry. Visit https://bottega.tech/ for more information.

About Code to Success:

Code to Success is the first step toward making programming a life skill. Designed to prepare students to thrive in a digital economy, this nine-week immersive learning experience engenders confidence in the next generation of innovators. In collaboration with tech leaders, we provide students with the opportunity to access coding training modules, obtain one-on-one mentoring from experts, and take advantage of networking opportunities to pursue internships. Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry by getting students interested in programming and setting them up on a successful education pathway in computer science. Visit https://www.ctsutah.com/ for more information.

About Utah STEM Action Center:

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Action Center prioritizes STEM education, which works to develop Utah's workforce of the future. The program drives research and implementation of STEM education best practices across Utah by coordinating STEM-related activities, creating and supporting STEM education, facilitating educator access to education tools, and aligning public STEM education with higher-education STEM activities. Visit https://stem.utah.gov/ for more information.

About Utah State Board of Education:

The Utah State Board of Education is a constitutionally established, elected, non-partisan body that exercises "general control and supervision" over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements. Visit https://schools.utah.gov/ for more information.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/tnsHMPfv8PI

Bottega is giving back in a big way to the community that has allowed it to experience tremendous growth. "We've already given more than $5 million of educational programs to high school students and teachers, and have plans to give another $5 million this summer.

Related link: https://bottega.tech/

Byte Back Wins CDN $1 Million TD Grant for Expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, TD announced Byte Back as one of 10 recipients of the inaugural TD Ready Challenge grants. Each recipient organization will receive CDN $1 million (USD $775,000) to help them scale innovative solutions aimed at preparing North Americans for the economy of the future.

With a focus on financial security, the recipients of this year's Challenge will apply the grants to solutions they have designed to help workers transform their existing skills and build new ones and help reduce barriers to STEM training for underrepresented groups to open doors for individuals who have the greatest risk of falling behind due to rapid technological advancement.

Byte Back is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects communities with inclusive tech training and pathways into living-wage careers. With the CDN $1 million investment, Byte Back will expand into Baltimore in 2019 and begin to fully explore a national expansion. This is the first time in 21 years that the nonprofit has expanded outside the Washington, D.C. region.

The technology skills gap Byte Back addresses isn't unique to its home region. In the U.S., 28 million adults are living in poverty. Since 2002, the U.S. economy has lost 28 million low tech jobs that have disappeared or now require medium and high tech skills. Byte Back provides a unique solution for adults who haven't had the opportunity to use technology in their careers.

"The changing workplace presents new opportunities for a prosperous economy, but we must grow in ways that allow everyone a chance to succeed," says Bharat Masrani, Group President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Group. "Fortunately, there is no shortage of innovative ideas to support greater income stability - ideas that can open doors and help people feel more confident in the future."

With this investment from TD, Byte Back will train at least 72 people in Baltimore in the first year and set the stage for the organization's national expansion.

"Thousands of adults are still struggling to succeed in the digital economy, and we cannot leave them behind. They deserve education opportunities, they deserve to fully participate in a digital world, and they deserve living-wage careers," said Elizabeth Lindsey, executive director of Byte Back. "We're really dreaming now about what it looks like for our impact to expand to hundreds and thousands more people across the country."

About the TD Ready Challenge:

Acting as a springboard for social innovation, TD established the TD Ready Challenge to identify and support scalable solutions to a specific issue identified within The Ready Commitment. In its inaugural year, the issue of focus for the TD Ready Challenge was helping to increase income stability and encouraged non-for-profit organizations across North America that are working on innovative solutions to help increase income stability and help improve the skills people will need for the economy of the future. In total, TD granted $10 million (CDN) under the 2018 Challenge.

From over 200 submissions, TD shortlisted 15 semi-finalists who presented their solutions on September 7, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario.

These semi-finalists were then judged in two rounds by a panel composed of TD executives and external subject matter experts, including Linda Nazareth, economist and trends expert, and Jennifer Tescher, president and CEO, Centre for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI). Ten finalists were then chosen by the panel at the close of the second round.

About Byte Back:

Byte Back connects communities with inclusive tech training and pathways into living-wage careers. For 21 years, its innovative training pathway has helped hundreds of graduates move from low tech skills to recognized certifications and into careers that use technology.

Byte Back's TD Ready Challenge Solution: Byte Back Ready - Proven Pathways to Economic Success
* Byte Back will scale its inclusive training pathway from the Washington, DC region into Baltimore, helping more people enter life-changing careers and fully participate in the digital economy.

Learn more about Byte Back at: https://byteback.org/

2018 TD Ready Challenge grantees include:
* ACCES Employment (Canada - Ontario): Women in Technology
o Recognizing emerging high-growth areas in STEM, ACCES Employment will provide immigrant women with training, employer connections and experiential learning to help secure and retain competitive employment in programming and cybersecurity, in collaboration with Seneca College.

* Canada Learning Code (Canada - Ontario): Unlocking the Power of Code - Digital Literacy Education for Adults
o This education initiative will offer hands-on, accessible learning experiences for mid-career individuals to increase their digital literacy and technological knowledge to thrive in a rapidly-changing job market, while acting as a bridge for adults interested in making a career shift into technology.

* Ecole des entrepreneurs de Quebec (Canada - Quebec): Previsio Software with Financial Literacy Training
o To address the challenge of financial forecasting for entrepreneurs as they evaluate the viability of their projects, this program will enhance capabilities and tools to help increase entrepreneurs' financial literacy and enable them to make strategic decisions based on business results.

* Immigrant Access Fund Canada (Canada - Alberta): Increasing Income Stability for Skilled Immigrants
o This program will increase income stability for newcomers with a program providing low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to skilled immigrants to fund the costs of training and recertification, while offering support and guidance to unlock participants' past education and experience.

* JEVS Human Services (US - Pennsylvania): JEVS-College for America - Greater Philadelphia Area
o A collaborative effort with Southern New Hampshire University's College for America (CfA), this initiative will address the inaccessibility of post-secondary education for those from low-income families by offering the opportunity for individuals to attend employer-driven degree programs, while providing direct access to living wage opportunities.

* Jobs for the Future (JFF) and Audacious Futures (Cross-Border - Massachusetts): Scaling AudaciousYou - the Google Maps for the Future of Work and Learning
o AudaciousYou, a personalized, research-backed, AI-powered upskilling/reskilling solution, will be scaled to help empower workers at risk from automation and a changing world of work to develop future-ready skills and connect to job opportunities by employing a holistic approach, including video and AI technologies.

* Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) (US - Pennsylvania): Creating Income Security through Technology-Based Workforce Development
o A partnership between PHMC and Homeworks N' Camden, a local nonprofit, this initiative will work with young adults to build towards a sustainable future by blending intensive coding with technology skills through a nationally-recognized workforce development curriculum.

* Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology (Canada - Ontario): TD-HELIX Transformation Initiative
o To tackle the challenge of reskilling mid-career professionals whose jobs might be impacted by changes in the labour market, the program will change their 'career DNA' and improve individuals' skills as creative thinkers, problem-solvers, communicators and collaborators.

* The WoodGreen Foundation (Canada - Ontario): Accelerating Possibilities - Creating Sustainable Pathways to Success in a Changing Landscape
o This initiative will bring together and scale four of WoodGreen's most successful advancement programs in an innovative accelerator program to position mid-career participants for financial stability and sustainable employment.

TD Ready Challenge is part of The Ready Commitment, a multi-year program targeting CDN $1 billion (US $775 million) in total by 2030 towards community giving.

To learn more about the grant recipients and the TD Ready Challenge, visit https://www.td.com/corporate-responsibility/ready-commitment/ready-challenge.jsp.

Additional details about The Ready Commitment can be found at https://www.td.com/corporate-responsibility/ready-commitment/index.jsp

About TD Bank Group:
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 25 million customers in three key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Retail, including TD Canada Trust, TD Auto Finance Canada, TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank(r), TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in TD Ameritrade; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with approximately 12 million active online and mobile customers. TD had CDN$1.3 trillion in assets on July 31, 2018. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (NYSE:TD).

Learn more about Byte Back:
Learn more at: https://byteback.org/

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
(1) Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-1024s2p-ByteBack-TDpitch-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Elizabeth Lindsey, Byte Back executive director, pitches for the TD Ready Challenge on September 25 in Toronto. Byte Back was one of over 200 applicants for the grant and is one of 10 $CDN 1 million winners.

TWITTER: @ByteBackDC @TD_Canada #TDreadyChallenge #STEMeducation

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/dEPC_JKOhV8

Today, TD announced nonprofit Byte Back, Inc. as one of 10 recipients of the inaugural TD Ready Challenge grants. Each recipient organization will receive CDN $1 million (USD $775,000) to help them scale innovative solutions aimed at preparing North Americans for the economy of the future.

Related link: https://byteback.org/

Hands-on Science Center Announces Fundraising Event, ‘The Science of Wine, Brew and Spirits’

TULLAHOMA, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Hands-On Science Center announces "The Science of Wine, Brew and Spirits" fundraising event November 10, 2018. Merging science education with those fun-to-drink adult beverages not only gets adults involved in the fascinating world of science but helps raise both funds and community awareness for a much-needed educational facility in the small town of Tullahoma.

The Hands-On Science Center just celebrated its 23rd anniversary. The center reaches nearly 30,000 people each year through its "Traveling Wizards" program, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camps, cybersecurity camps, coding classes, internship programs, home school classes and field trips to the center housing ~100 STEM related exhibits most of which are hands-on activities to spark children's imagination and eagerness to learn.

This year's event will feature tastings from local breweries, wineries and distilleries as well as educational exhibits and speakers teaching how it takes a scientist to make these concoctions.

Executive Director, Sean Amidon notes "This is an important day for the center. We depend on this event to help raise funds to support an array of great STEM programs for kids. We want to get a lot of organizations to work together so that we can reach as many kids as possible. Not only can local companies get involved but this year we are offering brewers, vineyards and distilleries across the country the ability to help with STEM education and advertise their wares by including their brochures or other give aways in gift bags for our attendees."

Companies wishing to have a pamphlet/brochure and/or small imprinted item (i.e. key chain, magnet, corkscrew, etc.) in this year's gift bags can mail the items and a check for $45 made payable to Hands-On Science Center by November 3rd to 101 Mitchell Blvd., Tullahoma, TN 37388.

The Hands-on Science Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and can provide a tax receipt for your donation. Learn more at: http://www.hosc.org/.

Ticket information can be found at http://www.hosc.org/shop

The Hands-On Science Center announces "The Science of Wine, Brew and Spirits" fundraising event November 10, 2018. Merging science education with those fun-to-drink adult beverages not only gets adults involved in the fascinating world of science but helps raise both funds and community awareness for a much-needed educational facility in the small town of Tullahoma.

Related link: http://www.hosc.org

Unmanned Safety Institute’s Drone Curriculum Approved by the State of California

CINCINNATI, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), the world-leader in remote pilot training and certification, announced today that their Small UAS Safety Certification has been certified by the University of California (UC) A-G program. UC A-G approval will enable high school students to use USI's four-course curriculum to meet admissions requirements to any state education institute. Current program guidelines require students who are applying to the UC school system to complete 15 year-long A-G courses prior to finishing high school.

The Unmanned Safety Institute's STEM curriculum, which has been approved by several State Departments of Education, is currently being utilized in 20 states across the country, in an effort to establish industry standards for safety training and UAS professional UAS operations as part of the drone industry's workforce development program. To date, USI has trained over 5,000 students in the field of unmanned aerial systems.

"Unmanned Safety Institute is incredibly fortunate to be able to support California and its UAS workforce development", said Joshua Olds, President of USI. "We are excited to work with schools like California Baptist University and those in the Sweetwater Union High School District, giving their students the upper hand in an evolving, high-skill, high-wage career path."

The Small UAS Safety Certification(tm) is comprised of four courses totaling over 180 hours of instruction. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take USI's credentialing exam leading to the Small UAS Safety Certification, an industry certification demonstrating expertise in the safe and professional application of remotely piloted aircraft making them highly qualified for careers in the burgeoning industry of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly referred to as "drones." Students are then enrolled in USI's Career Pathways Initiative, providing them with a direct link to employers that are looking for professional remote pilots. USI is in the process of expanding the program into other states across the country and are currently training teachers to facilitate the curriculum for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.

USI's courses and program information can be found by on the UC A-G Approved Course List by searching for "Unmanned Safety Institute" at https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution.

Courses in the curriculum, each earning students three credits, include:
* Unmanned Aircraft - five units of study including robotic aircraft and data links.
* UAS Applications - five units of study including applications, regulations, and operating in the NAS.
* UAS Personnel - three units of study including human factors and aeronautical decision making.
* Safety Management - four units of study including safety policy and safety risk management.

"CBU is pleased to be part of the pathway program with USI," said Dr. John Marselus, Chair of the Department of Aviation Science at California Baptist University. "We share a common premise of taking the strong foundation already provided through years of experience in the manned aviation world and applying it to unmanned aviation. By teaching and applying areas such as Aeronautical Decision Making, Risk Management, and proven techniques and training programs, the next generation of professional aviators will be prepared to meet the many opportunities of unmanned aviation.

"CBU is the next logical step for those who would like to build upon what they have learned in USI and take the next step whether it is in commercial, military, or missionary aviation."

About Unmanned Safety Institute:

The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry's most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, academia, and organizations focused on integrating and operating UAS for civil or commercial purposes. The Unmanned Safety Institute, widely recognized as "best-in-class" provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices.

With over 150 instructors and over 6,000 customers around the world, including several Fortune 500 enterprises, USI is widely recognized as the global leader in UAS training and certification delivering the most highly-regarded training program of its kind. USI is the only training and certification organization that is accepted by the FAA, endorsed by major aviation insurance providers, and whose training programs have been evaluated and recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education.

Discover more at https://www.unmannedsafetyinstitute.org/.

Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), the world-leader in remote pilot training and certification, announced today that their Small UAS Safety Certification has been certified by the University of California (UC) A-G program. UC A-G approval will enable high school students to use USI's four-course curriculum to meet admissions requirements to any state education institute.

Related link: https://www.unmannedsafetyinstitute.org/

Real Help for a Milwaukee Public School

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- On March 28, 2017, the Treasurer of STEM-CAN Supporters (SCS) sent a $2,500 check to Fritz Blandon, Principal of Milwaukee Allen-Field Elementary School as a donation for the immediate purchase of Student Leadership Blazers and seven compound microscopes along with some minor supplies.

Principal Blandon had earlier described to SCS these prioritized needs and their estimated costs as being beyond his school budget. Since such beyond-school-budget supplies and projects are well within the mission of SCS, it was easy for SCS to be of prompt assistance. SCS is glad to give direct help to needy public schools for the direct benefit of their students; it is doubly pleased to get such thrilled reaction as received from Principal Blandon who was effusive in his letter of acceptance of the donation.

This original gift to Allen-Field Elementary represents exactly half of what SCS has budgeted for the school community. SCS is deeply convinced that it takes a community to produce the best possible Public School results; it takes a community to minimize absenteeism while maximizing school spirit and graduation rates of caring students.

Therefore, beyond these kinds of direct help to the school, SCS offers the matching amount of funding to help the school PTO or school community leaders to strengthen the local school community. Such school community funds will be used by the local volunteer leadership of parents, teachers, and other community leaders for enriching neighboring and deepening communication among the whole school community.

Other needy neighborhood public schools are invited to participate similarly in using similar funding by the STEM-CAN Supporters, a charitable educational corporation.

STEM-CAN Supporters initially budgets a get-acquainted $5,000 per applying needy neighborhood public school, with $2,500 dedicated to immediate classroom, project, program or school needs and a matching $2,500 for developing school community neighbor relationships.

These relationships are developed and supported primarily through "Our Community Hour" as described at https://stem-can.org/for-parents/.

For further information contact Edwina Rogers via Edwina@STEM-CAN.org.

On March 28, 2017, the Treasurer of STEM-CAN Supporters (SCS) sent a $2,500 check to Fritz Blandon, Principal of Milwaukee Allen-Field Elementary School as a donation for the immediate purchase of Student Leadership Blazers and seven compound microscopes along with some minor supplies.

Stemtree Education Center Grand Opening: Basic Science Comes to Life in the Heart of Vienna, VA

VIENNA, Va., Sept. 8, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Stemtree Education Center will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 220 Maple Ave West, beginning at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Stemtree takes a unique approach to providing students in grades K-12 with one-on-one instruction in science, technology, and engineering. The community is invited to see our facility first-hand and to learn how Stemtree differs from traditional STEM centers.

Stemtree is the first after-school center in the area to offer STEM-focused enrichment through hands-on projects and experiments which we have aptly named "workouts." Students enjoy learning outside of a traditional classroom setting through a highly structured, yet highly customizable curriculum. Flexible scheduling and individual attention ensure students can progress at their own pace.

Stemtree is the brainchild of founder Dr. Abdelghani "Bell" Bellaachia, affectionately known as Dr. Bell. "I created Stemtree to give students the edge they need to succeed in school, career, and beyond," notes Dr. Bell. "But we can't reach them with more lectures and lessons, especially after a full day of school. That's why you will not find a traditional classroom here. Instead, we ignite the kids' passion for learning by engaging them in fun, hands-on activities. We bring basic science to life through workouts in science, technology, and engineering."

Stemtree Education Center first opened its doors in October, 2014. During the week, after school programs are offered at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with optional pick up at local elementary schools. Students enjoy snack time, play time, and workouts in science, engineering and technology, plus support for homework and test preparation as needed. A home school program is available weekdays. Summer camp keeps kids busy and engaged each year from June - August. Fun, science-related birthday parties can be hosted on request.

Please stop by on September 24 to learn more, or visit our website at http://www.stemtree.com/.

Stemtree Education Center LLC, 220 West Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA 22180, Phone (703) 281-7836.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/stemtree-education-center-grand-opening-basic-science-comes-to-life-in-the-heart-of-vienna-va-2015-0908-06.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Stemtree Education Center LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Monrovia High School Robotics Team Advances to 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship for Second Year in a Row

MONROVIA, Calif., April 7, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Monrovia High Robotics Program announced today that the ten Monrovia High School students of the "Kings and Queens" robotics team and their purple robot "Sir Lancelot" qualified to advance to the 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics World Championships for a second year in a row as a result of their excellent performance at the West Super-Regional Robotics Tournament held in Oakland March 26-28.

The tournament brought together 72 champion teams who were winners at state and regional competitions held in 13 western states. The Kings and Queens will be among the 128 top teams from around the world to compete at the World Championships which will be held at the historic Union Station in St. Louis April 22-25. Only 42 teams who competed in last year's World Championship earned the right to come back again this year.

The Kings and Queens team, four seniors, one sophomore and five freshmen, designed and built their own 18 by 18 inch robot from t-slot channel, Plexiglas, and formed aluminum to compete in the annual FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics competition. Each year FTC creates a new game challenge and teams build a new robot to accomplish the requirements of that season's game. This season's challenge is to gather up hollow "wiffle" baseballs and golf balls from the playing field and fill goals made of vertical plastic tubes up to four feet high while never touching the tubes themselves.

The Kings and Queens are well known in the FTC community for their driving skill, unique robot designs, their signature costumes of purple velvet gold-embroidered renaissance dresses and gold tiaras for the girls and fur-trimmed black velvet jerkins with purple capes and gold crowns for the boys, and for their supporter's cheer of "Huzzah!" whenever they score points.

Team Captain Melissa Johnson commented, "We are so excited to advance to the World Championship, and very proud to represent both our school and the entire Southern California FIRST Tech Challenge region."

This marks the second trip to the world championships for Monrovia High School's five-year-old FTC robotics program which fields five student robotics teams supported by company sponsors, community donations, and parents, and is led by physics teacher Tom Dobson. The Monrovia High School robotics program is actively seeking tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the approximate $12,000 cost of taking the team to St. Louis.

Donations may be made through the team's GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/kingsandqueens2015.

For additional info about the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition visit: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc.

Team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FtcTeam4625 .

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0407-kingqueens-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Kings and Queens Team After Winning Top Inspire Award.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0407-lancelot-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Kings and Queens Robot "Sir Lancelot."

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/monrovia-high-school-robotics-team-advances-to-2015-first-tech-challenge-world-championship-for-second-year-in-a-row-2015-0407-05.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Monrovia High Robotics Program :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Think Through Math Announces Winning School of 1st Annual Utah Math Cup: Students from 97 Utah schools solve 1.8 million math problems during five-week contest

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 18, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Think Through Learning, authors of the award-winning Think Through Math (TTM), a web-based math instructional system for grades 3 through Algebra 1, announced today the winner of its 1st Annual Utah Math Cup. Mr. Nash's 6th-grade class from Endeavour Elementary School in the Davis School District has been named the 2014 Utah Math Cup Champion for solving 39,170 math problems and spending 523 hours on the program in just 33 days. The class will be honored at a special awards presentation at the school on Friday, December 19, 2014.

Awards Event Details:
DATE: Friday, December 19, 2014, 9:40-10:15 a.m. (media set up at 9:15).
LOCATION: Endeavor Elementary School; 1870 South 25 West, Kaysville.
PHOTO OP: Teachers, administrators and students will gather for Math Cup Awards presentation. Event will include trophy presentation, as well as customized TTM CPS Math Cup t-shirts, medals, certificates and classroom gift cards.

The contest, which kicked off in November, engaged 73 schools throughout the state against each other for bragging rights of having successfully completed the most math lessons on the TTM system. More than 10,000 Utah students across the state had the opportunity to participate at school, during after school programs, and at home. During the five-week competition period, students completed more than 73,000 lessons and solved more than 1.8 million complex math problems.

The winning class will receive a trophy, champion banner, t-shirts, certificates and a gift card for a classroom celebration. Think Through Math has also recognized two runner-up classes and three additional special award winners with student certificates and classroom gift cards:

* First runner up: Mr. Stanger's Honors class at West Point Jr. High Elementary
* Second runner up: Ms. Appleby's 6th grade class at Mountain View Elementary
* The Holiday Hero's Award, which is given for extraordinary work during the Thanksgiving break from November 27 through December 1, has been awarded to Ms. Robert's 7th grade class of Copper Mountain Middle School in Jordan School District.
* The Gurus of Giving Award, which is given to classes that donated the most points to charitable organizations, has been awarded to Ms. Holmes's class of Taylor Elementary for their class donation to The Wounded Warrior Project.
* The Evening/Weekend Warrior Award is given to class that worked the most outside of school hours. This was awarded to Mr. Stanger's 8th grade class of West Point Jr. High in Davis School District, which logged more than 1,700 hours in after school and weekend time.

In addition to the top classroom prizes, TTM also awarded e-gift cards to individual students, who were randomly selected each week from a pool of eligible participants based on the passed lesson requirement.

Winners in the student category included representatives from the following schools/districts:
* Bluff Ridge Elementary School, Davis School District
* Taylor Elementary School, Davis School District
* Mount Logan Middle School, Logan City School District
* Nibley Park, Salt Lake City School District
* Manila Elementary School, Alpine School District
* Mountain Ridge Junior High School Alpine School District
* Downs Columbia Elementary School, Davis School District
* John Hancock Charter School
* Mountain View Elementary School, Davis School District
* Elk Meadows Elementary School, Jordan School District
* Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School, Washington School District.

More than 2.6 million students across 17,000 schools across the country currently use TTM as part of their math curriculum. Think Through Math (http://www.thinkthroughmath.com) provides rigorous adaptive lessons built upon each state's learning standards, and is supported by the unique functionality of on-line math teachers to assist struggling students in real-time. Available to students from school and home, Think Through Math has an embedded incentive program that motivates students as they solve math problems as well as a charitable giving feature that allows students to convert their points into donations to select charities.

About Think Through Learning and Think Through Math:

Think Through Learning is a company of passionate and committed U.S. math teachers, software engineers and educational innovators whose mission is to help kids learn how to think mathematically. At Think Through Learning, we know that success in mathematics transforms how students perform in school and beyond. Our vision of effective education: a motivating blend of adaptive instruction on higher order thinking skills and on-demand online "instant 1:1 interventions" from LIVE, state-certified U.S. math teachers wherever a student is - school, home or elsewhere - at the precise moment that they need assistance.

In 2014, students on Think Through Math will do approximately one billion complex math problems and receive millions of live personalized "just-in-time teaching" sessions. The 2014 and 2012 recipient of the SIIA CODiE Award for Best Mathematics Instructional Solution, Think Through Math is recognized as the industry's most respected and fastest-growing supplemental math curriculum. Since its launch in 2012, Think Through Math has become a critical part of the RTI, STEM, and 1:1 strategies of thousands of districts and schools across the country, including some of the largest districts in the United States.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/think-through-math-announces-winning-school-1st-annual-utah-math-cup-students-97-utah-schools-solve-1-8-million-math-problems-2014-12-1218-004.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Think Through Learning :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Five Queens and their Robot qualify for World Championship

MONROVIA, Calif., March 27, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Five young women from Monrovia High School and their rhinestone-encrusted robot qualified to advance to the 2014 First Tech Challenge Robotics World Championships as a result of their strong performance at the West Super-Regional Robotics Tournament held near Sacramento at the former McClellan Air Force Base this past weekend, the Monrovia High School Robotics Program announced today.

The Monrovia team, the only qualifier from the Los Angeles area, joins three San Diego teams and four Northern California teams to be among the 128 top teams from around the world to compete at the First Robotics World Championships to be held at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis April 23-26, 2014.

A total of 24 teams advanced from the West Super-Regional including teams from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona.

These five junior class women - the "Kings and Queens" team - stand out not just for their signature costumes of purple-velvet-and gold-embroidered renaissance dresses and the purple and gold medieval royal pavilion where the team relaxes between matches. Their purple robot "Your Highness" performed flawlessly during the competition even after a failure of the robot's transport cart sent it plunging to the floor of the arena in an unplanned four-foot "drop test." In fact, during the crucial and difficult software-controlled "autonomous period" of the matches, Your Highness achieved a perfect record of 10 of 10 successful autonomous runs scoring an average of 56 autonomous points per match out of a possible 60.

The members of the Kings And Queens team - Amanda Sullivan, Melissa Johnson, Emma McIntosh, Jordan Nunez and Nicole Miller - designed and built their 18 by 18 inch robot from Tetrix parts, Plexiglas, metal shapes and machined aluminum to compete with alliances of robots on a 12 by 12 foot field. In competitions the robots are required to perform a variety of tasks in 2-1/2 minutes including picking up 2-inch plastic cubes and depositing them into elevated goals, navigating a wooden ramp, raising a flag up a pole, and gripping a cross bar and pulling themselves up completely off the floor, all while coordinating with a partner robot and while sharing the field with an opposing team of robots intent on accomplishing the same tasks.

This marks the first trip to the world championships for Monrovia High School's four-year-old FTC robotics program which fields four separate student robotics teams supported by company sponsors, the community, and parents, and is led by physics teacher Tom Dobson. The success of the Kings And Queens caps a strong year for Monrovia High which saw all four of the program's teams qualify over the season to compete in the Los Angeles Regional Championship Tournament held in Monrovia in February. At the L.A. regional tournament the Kings And Queens team was awarded the Inspire Award, FTC Robotics highest award naming them the "role-model" team for their on-field success, teamwork, inspiration to others, representation of the First Robotics program to their school and community, and embodiment of "Gracious Professionalism," the core value of the FIRST program.

The Monrovia High FTC robotics after-school program is one of many opportunities at Monrovia High School supporting STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) in conjunction with Monrovia's Math and Science Academy, and supported by the Monrovia Schools Foundation.

The Monrovia High School FTC robotics program is actively seeking tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the approximate $13,000 cost of taking the team to St. Louis in April. Donations may be made through our GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/75ehc4 .

The Kings And Queens Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/FtcTeam4625 .

More information about Monrovia High School: http://www.monroviaschools.net/MHS .

* PHOTO 1 300dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0326-queens-drivers_300dpi.jpg .

* Photo 1 Caption: Kings And Queens driver team waits for match to begin.

* PHOTO 2 300dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0327-your-highness_300dpi.jpg .

* Photo 2 Caption: Kings And Queens robot "Your Highness."

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Five-Queens-and-their-Robot-qualify-for-World-Championship_2014-03-0327-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Monrovia High School Robotics Program :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

CPEP Celebrates 25 Years of Serving Underserved Youth

MIDDLETOWN, Conn., Oct. 7, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For 25 years, the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) has been serving as a catalyst to significantly change underrepresented and underserved students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward the pursuit of education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In 1986, business executives partnered with innovative Connecticut educators to design a cutting-edge program designed to inspire and prepare African American and Hispanic students to pursue careers in STEM. Their vision was to build a non-traditional experience that could be replicated throughout the state. In 1988, CPEP was launched in one middle school serving 20 students. Due to the program's demonstrated ability to attract, nurture and inspire underrepresented students, CPEP has grown to serve more than 1,500 students annually in 40 schools throughout 13 school districts in Connecticut.

To celebrate this milestone event, CPEP is hosting the Engineering Brighter Futures Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Omni New Haven at Yale. CPEP students, teachers, staff and supporters from its 25 year history will come together to reminisce, reflect and celebrate the organization's significant accomplishments.

Over the past 25 years, CPEP has served more than 25,000 students many of whom have graduated high school and pursued STEM careers. These students are now serving in the workforce across Connecticut.

"Every person that has supported CPEP over the past 25 years has contributed to the successes and accomplishments we see today," said CPEP CEO Bruce Dixon. "Many CPEP students credit the organization with giving them the will and drive to pursue educational opportunities and careers in STEM. This is ultimately why we do what we do, and we hope to continue to do it for another 25 years."

To learn more about Catalysts Powering Educational Performance (CPEP, Inc.) or its 25th anniversary gala, visit http://www.cpep.org/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/CPEP-Celebrates-25-Years-of-Serving-Underserved-Youth_2013-10-1007-004.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Catalysts Powering Educational Performance :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2013 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.