August 18th, 2009
Four outstanding Roanoke students have been named 2009-10 Virginia’s Future Leaders Scholarship winners by Cox Communications and the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association (VCTA). Recipients and the college or university they will attend include:
* Kathryn Norbo, University of Virginia
* Craig Tripp, Virginia Tech
* Tim Rowe, Randolph Macon College
* Ryan Brock, Virginia Tech
These scholarships were among 73 awarded to Virginia students this year with a total of over $100,000 in scholarships awarded by local cable systems across the Commonwealth in partnership with the Donald A. Perry Foundation.
This year’s ‘Virginia’s Future Leaders’ scholarship recipients and their families were honored at the VCTA Annual Scholarship Luncheon held in Charlottesville, VA, at the Boar’s Head Inn in July.
Now in its 10th year, the Virginia’s Future Leaders Scholarship program is a statewide education initiative of the Virginia cable industry. To date over $700,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Virginia students attending Virginia colleges and universities.
The 2009-10 call for Virginia’s Future Leaders Scholarship applications will be available in early 2010. Cox Communications encourages Roanoke area students to visit the VCTA website in January at www.vcta.com for additional information and to apply.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6.2 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services. Cox Business is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com. In Hampton Roads, Cox has more than 400,000 basic cable subscribers.
About the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association
The VCTA, established in 1966, serves as the trade association for the cable telecommunications industry in Virginia. Association membership is comprised of cable systems serving more than two (2) million subscribers in Virginia. Its mission is to positively promote the cable television, high-speed data and telecommunications services of member companies to the public, the business community and state officials.
www.vcta.com
Tags: Boar's Head Inn, broadband, cable systems, cable telecommunications industry, Cable TV, Charlottesville, Charlottesville Virginia, Commonwealth Day, communications solutions, Cox Business, Cox Communications, Cox Communications Inc., Cox Enterprises, Cox Enterprises Inc., Craig Tripp, digital video, Donald A. Perry Foundation, Head, high-speed Internet, integrated wireless services, Kathryn Norbo, local cable advertising, local cable systems, long distance services, Macon College, media formats, multi-service broadband communications, owned subsidiary, Ryan Brock, telecommunications services, telephony services, Tim Rowe, Travel Channel, United States, University of Virginia, video transport services, Virginia, Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association, Virginia Tech, Virginia United States
Posted in Education, Scholarship | No Comments »
August 18th, 2009
Careerminds Group, Inc., a national consulting company specializing in web-based outplacement and career transition services, is pleased to announce a partnership with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey’s Institute for Management and Executive Development (IMED) to be the exclusive provider of career transition services.
The Camden, N.J.-based Rutgers University Institute is a leading provider of business training, executive and professional development programs in the Northeast region. Through grant-based funding, IMED provides the unemployed residents of N.J. access to a number of non-credit career development certification programs.
“It’s a great partnership,” said Associate Dean and Director Ray Compari. “Careerminds delivers exactly what we need to significantly help our sponsored job seekers improve their marketability and visibility in today’s competitive market.” Careerminds will deliver its online MyBrand career transition program to the hundreds of out-of-work individuals that Rutgers IMED sponsors each year.
MyBrand is a consumer-based career transition program that allows participants to access effective content, tools, and resources in an on-demand manner. It uses a proven, scientifically-based foundation that shapes the individual into a focused, highly differentiated ‘brand’ that stands out among the crowd of job seekers. The company developed the program and its proprietary Web 2.0, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform as a way to help the millions of unemployed workers in North America get back to work quickly and affordably.
“We are excited to be the exclusive provider for Rutgers IMED,” said Careerminds CEO Raymond Lee. “Its forward-thinking reputation and commitment to excellence is an ideal backdrop for the MyBrand program. Our unique service is designed to make a real difference in the lives of talented individuals who are frustrated by the traditional job search process.”
About Rutgers IMED
As the outreach arm of the Rutgers School of Business-Camden, the Rutgers Institute for Management and Executive Development (Rutgers IMED) is a leading provider of business training and professional development; serving businesses in the region as well as corporations worldwide. Our mission is straightforward: to strengthen the leadership and management capabilities of individuals and organizations.
Our solutions are always customized to our clients’ needs. Whether the solution demands custom/classroom training, or online learning, the organizational results are consistent.
For more information about Rutgers IMED, visit http://imed.rutgers.edu.
About Careerminds
With over 15 years of human resource services experience, Careerminds provides strategic solutions to companies and individuals seeking high-performance recruiting, and affordable web-based outplacement and career coaching services. Using a Web 2.0 platform that delivers affordable, web-based career transition services, Careerminds provides a blend of on-demand resources supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers get off unemployment and back into the workforce quickly.
For more information about Careerminds, visit: http://www.careerminds.com.
Tags: Alliance, Associate Dean and Director, Camden, career coaching services, career transition services, Careerminds Group Inc., CEO, job search process, New Jersey, New Jersey United States, New Jersey's Institute for Management and Executive Development, North America, on-demand resources, online learning, Ray Compari, Raymond Lee, Rutgers IMED, Rutgers Institute for Management and Executive Development, Rutgers School of Business-Camden, Rutgers University Institute, State University of New Jersey, Web 2.0, web-based career transition services, web-based outplacement
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August 18th, 2009
CTB/McGraw-Hill announced that TABE CLAS-E(TM), the Company’s English language proficiency assessment for adult learners, has been approved by the Florida Department of Education. This approval is the latest in CTB/McGraw-Hill’s continued partnership with Florida Adult Educators through the TABE® (Tests of Adult Basic Education) family, now meeting the needs of adult ESL students with TABE CLAS-E (TABE Complete Language Assessment System – English(TM)).
Agency approval of TABE CLAS-E demonstrates that the assessment system has passed Florida standards for Adult Basic Education Programs, meets all statewide regulatory requirements for adult education programs, and is applicable to school districts, community colleges, and workforce centers. With this approval, TABE CLAS-E can be used in Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or English Literacy for Career and Technical Education (ELCATE) programs for students whose first language is not English. The approval applies to placement assessments in the adult ESOL program. TABE CLAS-E provides a streamlined transition for those using the current TABE assessment that also need to transition into or out of an adult ESOL program. Additionally, TABE CLAS-E meets the federal requirements of Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which states that federal funding for adult education requires documented evidence of educational gains.
“CTB/McGraw-Hill has a longstanding partnership with Florida Department of Education, and we are excited to be able to contribute to Florida’s Adult ESOL programs,” said Sandor Nagy, chief operating officer, CTB/McGraw-Hill. “TABE CLAS-E now offers Florida educators a superior system for measuring progress and improving English skills among adult English language learners.”
TABE CLAS-E provides teachers with a reliable, easy-to-use system that accurately identifies the instructional needs of adult English language learners. TABE CLAS-E assesses English proficiency levels to accurately measure students’ reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. An optional speaking test gives teachers maximum flexibility in how they assess their students. Key features of TABE CLAS-E include:
* Assessment – TABE CLAS-E accommodates all English proficiency levels to accurately measure students’ reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.
* Reporting – TABE CLAS-E delivers number-correct and scale scores for each individual skill area, and for two composite skill areas – reading/writing and listening/speaking – and for the total battery of assessments. Additional scores include National Reporting System (NRS) proficiency levels, objective mastery scores, and Student Performance Levels (SPLs). TABE CLAS-E makes it quick and easy to pinpoint student strengths and weaknesses, and to demonstrate student gains for NRS reporting.
* Professional Development – TABE CLAS-E goes beyond proficiency measurement to help teachers develop targeted instruction. Following student assessment, teachers can tailor instructional programs with the help of TABE CLAS-E’s Instructional Guidance materials, including Teachers’ Resource Guides, lesson plans, and more. Additionally, video training materials allow efficient group or individual educator training sessions.
TABE CLAS-E is based on the latest research by CTB/McGraw-Hill experts, including thorough analysis of and alignment with state English as a Second Language standards, the Common European Framework, and the Canadian Language Benchmarks 2000 (English as a Second Language-For Adults). The system also provides NRS levels for measuring educational gains. TABE CLAS-E has been validated by a comprehensive field standardization study, encompassing more than 19,500 individuals, both in the United States and internationally.
CTB/McGraw-Hill is an official Sponsor of Adult and Community Educators of Florida (ACE) and will be attending the Daytona Beach, Florida ACE Conference September 21-23. For more information, visit www.aceofflorida.org.
Tags: Florida Adult Educators, Florida Department of Education, McGraw-Hill, TABE CLAS-E, TABE CLAS-E(TM), TABE®, The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
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August 18th, 2009
Nipissing University is pleased to announce fifty, $6000, scholarships donated to the institution by prominent philanthropist Seymour Schulich. The Schulich Scholarships in Science and Education will be awarded to qualified students studying in the concurrent education Bachelor of Science program, as well as students in the Bachelor of Science program with the Orientation to Teaching option.
“Mr. Schulich is well known for his support of post-secondary education and his gift will ensure that exceptional students in Nipissing’s renowned Faculty of Education will benefit from his generosity,” said Nipissing University President, Lesley Lovett-Doust. “We thank Mr. Schulich for recognizing the value of teacher education at Nipissing with his gift – a gift that will truly help our future teachers succeed in this honourable profession.”
New students entering the first year of the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education (BSc/BEd) concurrent degree program or the Bachelor of Science/Orientation to Teaching degree (BSc/OTT) at Nipissing will be eligible to apply for the award at www.nipissingu.ca/Schulich. The awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, community contribution and financial need. Eligible first-year Nipissing students must submit a completed Schulich Scholarship application by September 15th.
“As we embark on our second century of teacher education, Nipissing is thrilled to be able to offer such substantial awards to students planning to complete their undergraduate degree in the sciences and Bachelor of Education. Ontario needs teachers who can understand and apply concepts in mathematics and science, as well as engage students from JK through grade 12 in these areas of the curriculum. Awards like the Schulich Scholarships in Science and Education are important because they help attract students to these disciplines, said Faculty of Education Dean, Sharon Rich.”
In light of this scholarship launch, Nipissing University is pleased to announce additional openings for this September (Fall 2009) in concurrent education, either BSc/BEd or BSc with Orientation to Teaching (OTT). New applications from high school graduates will be considered for admission to these programs until September 8th. Interested individuals who have not yet applied to Nipissing University should contact the Admissions Office at admiss@nipissingu.ca or phone 705-474-3450 x4761 for application details.
Posted in Education, Scholarship, University | No Comments »
August 18th, 2009
On September 15(th) a panel of experts will answer questions and provide useful insight into the business opportunities associated with combating terrorism with technology. Starting with an update on current government and international initiatives, we will quickly move to a discussion of some of the innovative technologies being deployed in the battle against domestic and international terrorism.
Though our memory of the events of 9/11 begins to fade, the lessons learned that day and afterward, are still with us.
Suitcase nuclear weapons, wide-scale chemical attacks, human-engineered pandemics, and debilitating cyber attacks were once the subject of spy movies and techno-thriller novels. Today they are all too real. What steps are being taken to detect, monitor, protect, and mitigate these threats? Are we safer now than eight years ago? What about four years ago? In the battle against terrorism, are our defensive technologies up to the task of countering such weapons?
If you are interested in learning about evolving national and international standards, what can and is being done to protect the public and business community against terrorist attacks, and the direction of technology, join our panel of distinguished guests for a lively discussion of these pressing questions.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
The Enterprise Center at Foley Hoag,
The Bay Colony Corporate Center
1000 Winter St., Ste. 4000
Waltham, MA
Cost: $25 — public; $10 — students & active military
For information, registration and directions visit our web site http://www.entretechforum.org/
Pre-Registration Available Online http://theentretechforum.camp7.org/
Directions & Map http://www.entretechforum.org/7_contact.htm
* Moderator:
Don Byrne, North River Solutions
* Panelists:
John Bagley, Mission Innovation, Raytheon Integrated Defense System
W. Russ Webster, Federal Preparedness Coordinator, DHS
Rich Pietravalle, Principal, Mitre Corp
Jim Burrell, Special Agent, FBI
The EntreTech Forum consists of moderated monthly panel discussions on emerging academic research and the commercialization of this technology. It was designed for those interested in technology innovation and marketing collaboration and networking with fellow entrepreneurs, business and government executives, investors, and technology researchers.
The technology-innovation presentations feature entrepreneurial and corporate accomplishments along commercialization pathways with discussions of tech transfer and technology incubation and research from universities, industry and government. The multi-disciplinary subjects of raising and utilizing different forms of capital, building alliances and structuring deals are included as part of the programming, and serve as tools for the entrepreneur and researcher to commercialize science and technology.
The EntreTech Forum is an affiliate of Northeastern University’s School of Technological Entrepreneurship (STE) and is directed by a governing board of business principals, investors, and researchers.
For information and directions visit our web site at http://www.entretechforum.org/
Tags: Bay Colony Corporate Center, Burrell, defensive technologies, Enterprise Center, entrepreneur and researcher, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Preparedness Coordinator, John Bagley, Mitre Corp, Mitre Corporation, North River Solutions, Northeastern University's School of Technological Entrepreneurship, principal, Rich Pietravalle, Russ Webster, science and technology, Special Agent, spy, technology incubation, technology innovation, technology researchers, technology-innovation presentations, wide-scale chemical attacks
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August 15th, 2009
Reginald H. Bowman, President, The City Wide Council of Presidents of the New York City Housing Authorities’ Residents, which represents the 178,000 families that live in the Public Housing of the New York City Housing Authority, announced today that the organization has made a commitment to invest $1.5 million in the AMBER Ready program on behalf of more than 30,000 families now living in New York City Public Housing.
“The phenomenon of 800,000 children reported missing yearly in this country is alarming,” says Bowman. “Children come first. In order to secure any community and invest in the future of a city, state, and nation, we must invest in new ways of protecting our most important resource, our children. AMBER Ready represents the new direction in child protection, and by using the AMBER Ready program we are creating a direct line to law enforcement that will allow us to deter abductions and to become a model AMBER Ready community.”
The AMBER Ready Program is the nation’s first wireless child protection service and community predator deterrent program, and a major technological advance in the effort to find missing or abducted children. Research has shown that the first few hours after a child is reported missing or abducted are critical. The program, which costs $50 per family for a two-year subscription, enables parents and guardians to store their children’s photo, description and other valuable information in a profile in their wireless multimedia phones. If the unfortunate situation ever occurs, an Amber Ready subscriber can immediately transfer information to their local law enforcement agency, media stations, airports, and the AMBER Alert Network. While AMBER Ready is not AMBER Alert, it is a tool used to enhance the issuance of an AMBER Alert and effectively reduces the time for law enforcement agencies to disseminate an AMBER Alert from hours to minutes. The program has been endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
This fall, 50 million of America’s children will return to school. By summer, 1 million of them will be classified as missing or abducted. Minorities, often the least informed about what to do when children are abducted, equaled 65% of the total non-family abductions between the ages of 13-17, with African American children making up 42% of that group and Hispanics 23%. In New York State alone, more than 20,000 children under the age of 18 are reported missing every year. Moreover, according to the New York Police Department there are a total of 5,846 Registered Sex Offenders in New York City.
Kai D. Patterson, founder, Chairman and CEO of AMBER Ready, says, “This NYCHA commitment will be a model for the urban implementation of AMBER Ready. AMBER Ready is an easy-to-use and invaluable service that operates efficiently in moments of extreme crises where accuracy and timeliness are critical. When disseminated and used by a critical mass of families and communities throughout the U.S., it will allow communities across the nation to finally begin to reduce the number of missing and abducted children each year and to put child predators on notice that this community and its children are AMBER Ready.”
The announcement was made during an AMBER Ready Press Conference and Child Safety Forum held today at ABC Times Square Studios. In addition to Patterson, Bowman was joined by Jon Adler, National President, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the parents and families of several missing children.
Cicely Tyson, EMMY award-winning actress and head of The Cicely L. Tyson Performing & Fine Arts Community School, East Orange, N.J., was also on hand to address the alarming and devastating issue of child abduction and the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.
The conference/forum precedes the AMBER Ready, Inc. and the AMBER Ready Foundation’s Back-to-School Safety Weekend at ABC Times Square Studios, August 15-16, 2009. Hosted by Raven Symone, Doug E. Fresh, and J.D. Williams, weekend activities will feature evening performances by Robin Thicke, Ciara, Sean Kingston, Trey Songz, Day 26, Brutha (formerly known as Brothers to Brutha), Toby Love and more. Daytime activities will include family fun, virtual games with celebrities and athletes, strolling entertainment, food and prizes. Families will also receive back-to-school safety tips and be able to enroll in the AMBER Ready program onsite.
For a full schedule and ticket information for the AMBER Ready Back to School Weekend events, call 1-866-60-AMBER or visit www.amberready.com.
Tags: ABC, actress and head, AMBER Ready Foundation, AMBER Ready Inc., AMBER Ready Press, America, Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.), Cicely Tyson, City Wide Council of Presidents of the New York City Housing Authorities, Doug E. Fresh, East Orange, East Orange New Jersey, Emmy award, federal law enforcement, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, food, founder Chairman and CEO, J.D. Williams, Jon Adler, Kai D. Patterson, L. Tyson Performing & Fine Arts Community School, law enforcement, law enforcement agencies, local law enforcement agency, media stations, model for the urban implementation, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National President, New Jersey, New Jersey United States, New York City, New York City Housing Authority, New York City New York, New York Police Department, President, Raven Symone, Reginald H. Bowman, Robin Thicke, Sean Kingston, Toby Love, Trey Songz, United States, wireless child protection service, wireless multimedia phones
Posted in Education, Finance Education, Financial Aid, Training Programs | No Comments »
August 15th, 2009
Many back-to-school consumers of laptops, computers, printers, cell phones, PDAs, high-end calculators, cameras, music systems, etc. are seeking to protect and maximize their essential electronic gear for the academic year ahead, according to the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC).
Students and parents can purchase service contracts (sometimes called extended warranties) to help with repair and replacement coverage beyond limited manufacturers warranties.
“Service contracts for electronics help minimize the downtime and cost associated with equipment malfunctions,” said Timothy Meenan, SCIC executive director. “Students can stay focused on their studies and parents can rest assured without having to deal with the hassle and expense generally associated with repairing or replacing electronic products.”
SCIC tips on buying and using service contracts (extended warranties):
* Read and understand terms-and-conditions
* Locate name/contact information of the contract provider on the document
* Most states require providers to be licensed
* Contact a state insurance regulator, BBB, and/or SCIC with questions or concerns
* Do not buy a service contract if the provider will not supply a copy of the contract prior to purchase
* Avoid purchasing service contracts from overly aggressive sales personnel
* Service contracts can be purchased with the product or within days of purchase
* Most service contracts provide a 30-day “free-look” period for consumers to review and return the contract for a full refund
* While many e-providers offer competitive pricing and reputable service, caution is urged when purchasing service contracts over the Internet; guard against “phishing” scams
* After purchase, fulfill all responsibilities related to maintenance, handling, etc.
* Maintain a dedicated file for contracts, receipts, and maintenance records; activate service contracts as needed and applicable to enhance product use and maximize productivity
Visit www.go-scic.com for additional tips and information.
The Service Contract Industry Council, www.go-scic.com, is a national trade association whose member companies collectively offer approximately 80 percent of the service contracts sold in the U.S. for home, auto, and consumer goods. Founded in 1989, the SCIC educates consumers about service contracts, encourages its members to pursue high standards of customer satisfaction, and has developed and promoted model legislation to regulate the industry with standards designed to protect the consumer and the industry.
Tags: cell phones, e-providers, electronic products, electronics, Employment Change, executive director, Model, music systems, Service Contract Industry Council, state insurance regulator, Timothy Meenan, United States
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August 15th, 2009
Lindsey Maxon, a 2009 graduate of Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, received a $2000 scholarship from the Financial Service Centers of America (FiSCA) National Scholarship Program. The July 31 check presentation was held at the corporate office of ACE Cash Express in Irving, Texas.
As a member of FiSCA, the national trade association representing an expanding industry of financial service providers in local communities across the country, ACE Cash Express is a major contributor to the national scholarship program.
“Thank you very much for selecting me as the recipient of your generous FiSCA scholarship,” said scholarship recipient Lindsey Maxon. “Having this scholarship will help me be able to focus on my classes instead of on my finances as I work toward my goal of becoming a professional writer. I will do my best to represent the FiSCA scholarship well as a student at The University of Texas at Austin.”
Since 1999, FiSCA has awarded scholarships to outstanding college-bound high school seniors. The criterion to receive the scholarship is based on leadership skills in both school and local community, financial need and academic achievement. In addition, applicants must fill out an extensive application which includes an essay profiling an individual that has made a profound impact on their lives and all applications are reviewed by a selection committee which is comprised of industry leaders from across the country. Every year, more than 1,000 students from across the country compete for these scholarships and to date, FiSCA has awarded more than $460,000 in college grants to nearly 200 deserving students.
“It is because of the generous support of member companies like ACE Cash Express, that FiSCA’s scholarship program has awarded more than $460,000 in college grants to deserving students from across the country,” said Sanford Herman, chairman of FiSCA’s National Scholarship Program. “FiSCA members pride themselves on their community involvement, and a key element of that support is the annual scholarship program.”
ACE Cash Express, Inc. is a leading retailer of financial services, including short-term consumer loans, check cashing, bill payment and prepaid debit card services. ACE is the largest owner and operator of check cashing stores in the United States and the second largest owner and operator of short-term consumer loan stores in the United States. As of August 3, 2009, ACE had a network of 1,770 stores in 38 states including the District of Columbia, consisting of 1,690 company-owned stores and 80 franchised stores. ACE focuses on serving consumers, many of whom seek alternatives to traditional banking relationships in order to gain convenient and immediate access to financial services. For additional information about ACE Cash Express visit www.acecashexpress.com.
FiSCA, founded in 1987, is the national trade association for more than 7,000 individual financial service centers across the United States. FiSCA member locations are used by more than 15 million customers who conduct more than 350 million transactions annually. FiSCA members provide a wide variety of financial services and products to their communities, including check cashing, money orders, money transfers, and electronic bill payment services, automatic teller machine access, government benefit and payroll payments, small dollar short-term loans, electronic tax preparation, prepaid debit cards, deposit acceptance services, public transportation fare and token sales, motor vehicle license plate and title distribution, postage stamp sales and numerous other services. For more information, please visit www.fisca.org.
Tags: ACE Cash Express Inc., Arlington, Arlington Texas, chairman, chairman of National Scholarship Program, deposit acceptance services, District of Columbia, electronic bill payment services, Financial Service Centers of America, financial services, Irving, Irving Texas, Lamar High School, Lindsey Maxon, national trade association, prepaid debit card services, professional writer, Sanford Herman, teller, Texas, Texas United States, United States, University of Texas at Austin
Posted in Education, Finance Education, Scholarship | No Comments »
August 15th, 2009
LEGO Systems, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction toys and experiences for families, starts a nationwide tour, called The LEGO® Experience, this weekend, August 15 and 16, at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.
Scheduled to visit 23 cities throughout the United States, The LEGO Experience lets children and adults alike immerse themselves in the best that the LEGO brand has to offer, from hands-on, minds-on building fun to family building games and challenges to video games and inspiration models.
The company’s first tour since 2003, The LEGO Experience features activity tents where families have a world of creative possibility at their fingertips:
* Welcome Tent: families start their LEGO Experience with an overview of the activities, LEGO trivia and fun facts and are given their building permit to explore the fun.
* Mash-Up Centerpiece: a celebration of the creative minds of children, LEGO Master Builders drew inspiration from every LEGO theme and play set available today to create a stunning centerpiece landscape of a LEGO CITY full of hidden surprises, humorous moments, creative models and building ideas to showcase how, in a child’s mind, nothing is impossible.
* Family Building Challenge: every member of the family is invited to step up to the podium and go head-to-head with other families in fun games and timed building challenges that get everyone in on the LEGO fun.
* Construction Zone: families are invited to get hands-on, minds-on with the LEGO brand by exploring their imaginations and challenging their inner builders to create custom models to add to a LEGO Cityscape.
* Discovery Zone: families step into a showcase of the best of the rest of what the LEGO brand has to offer. Interactive game stations let families plug into blockbuster LEGO video games. They can take in fan-generated LEGO movies, explore the rich online activities at LEGO.com or sign up to become members of the LEGO Club.
“We are thrilled to once again take the LEGO brand on the road to meet children and families in their hometowns throughout the U.S.,” said Soren Torp Laursen, president, LEGO Systems, Inc. “The LEGO Experience showcases every facet of the LEGO brand, both the things most people know about and expect from the LEGO brand and many new LEGO experiences that are sure to deliver fun and lasting memories for every member of the family.”
Two crews leave the launch event in Chicago to start their adventures, making stops at fairs, festivals and air shows throughout the U.S. The Western team will visit Rockford, IL, Minneapolis, Pueblo, CO, Salt Lake City, Reno, NV, Redding, CA, San Diego, Albuquerque, NM, Houston and Phoenix. The Eastern crew will roll into Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Rutland, VT, York, PA, Richmond, VA, Cape May, NJ, Atlanta, Raleigh, Columbia, SC and Shreveport, LA.
For more information, including dates and locations of event stops, visit www.TheLEGOExperienceTour.blogspot.com. Families can also follow the tour adventures on Facebook by becoming fans of The LEGO Experience Tour.
LEGO Systems, Inc. (LSI) is the Americas division of the LEGO Group, a privately-held firm based in Billund, Denmark. The company is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities through high-quality, creatively educational play materials, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: “Only the best is good enough.” For more information, visit www.LEGO.com
Tags: Albuquerque, Albuquerque New Mexico, Americas, Atlanta, Atlanta Louisiana, Billund, Billund Denmark, California, California United States, Chicago, Chicago Illinois, Cleveland, Cleveland West Virginia, Columbia, Denmark, Detroit, Detroit Michigan, Facebook, Facebook Inc, founder, Houston, Illinois, Illinois United States, Indianapolis, Lego AS, LEGO CITY, LEGO Club, LEGO Experience, LEGO Group, LEGO Systems Inc., Lincoln Park Zoo, Louisiana, Minneapolis, New Mexico, New Mexico United States, Ole Kirk Christiansen, online activities, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania United States, Phoenix, President, Pueblo CO, Raleigh, Raleigh West Virginia, Redding, Redding California, Reno NV, Richmond, Richmond Vermont, Rockford, Rockford Illinois, Rutland, Rutland Vermont, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Utah, San Diego, San Diego California, Shreveport, Shreveport Louisiana, Soren Torp Laursen, United States, Vermont, Vermont United States, Virginia, Virginia United States, York, York Pennsylvania
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August 15th, 2009
Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), announced today the students of its annual “Lanzate/Take Off” education travel award program. The program, the theme of which is “Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success,” started on June 5. More than 500 students from across the nation completed the online entry with a submitted essay about why they are pursuing a college degree and how the travel award would help them achieve their goals.
The students were selected after intensive evaluation from a panel of judges comprised of college professors and professionals from throughout the country. “The “Lanzate/Take Off” Award is reflective of Southwest’s pioneering spirit to look for new, innovative approaches that provide our families and communities the freedom to reach beyond their horizons and fulfill their fullest potential,” said Selection Committee member Jose Calderon, and Senior Vice President of the Hispanic Federation in New York.
The award will provide the students with one to four tickets, which the student or an immediate family member can use in the fall to travel to/from a college or university to any of the 66 cities Southwest Airlines serves.
“Each year we receive many entries for this program,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores. “There are so many include compelling essays that point to the importance of maintaining family connections. The ‘Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success’ program is an important step in assuring that students are getting the support and encouragement they need.”
With more than 1,500 applicants in the last five years, “Lanzate/Take Off” is a proven successful educational program that serves underprivileged Hispanic students, providing free travel for them and their families to maximize their potential and create opportunities for growth. To see the complete list of students, visit: www.southwest.com/swamedia/hacu_winners_2009.pdf. To see the list of judges, vist: www.southwest.com/swamedia/hacu_selection_committee_2009.pdf.
“The “Lanzate/Take Off” travel award allows a student to visit the family during the holidays, or just brings the families together for special events like graduations,” said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines Corporate Community Affairs Manager. “This permits the families to stay in touch, and promotes a better college experience. As a consequence, the student will have more confidence to pursue his/her dreams of higher education without worrying about the family’s economic hardships,” says Ortega.
“For me, this program means not staying alone at the university on holidays, and going home for Thanksgiving,” said Jennifer Angarita, “Lanzate” 2009 award recipient. “Holidays alone are tough, but this year I will have the opportunity to celebrate with my family, not only on special holidays but will have my parents sitting by me in my graduation, all because of this program.”
HACU, which has its national headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, represents approximately 450 colleges and universities, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which collectively serve two-thirds of all Hispanic higher education students in the United States and Puerto Rico.
After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines–offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service, and no hidden fees. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient. Southwest Airlines, the nation’s largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 66 cities (adding Boston Logan on August 16 and Milwaukee later this year) in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.
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