20 Mar 2012

Governor Quinn Teams with US Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Support STEM Education

By Nafia Khan

Governor and Basketball Great Join Business Leaders for

Community Discussion about Education

CHICAGO - March 18, 2012. With March Madness in full swing, Governor Pat Quinn today teamed up with the NBA's All-Time Leading Scorer and U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to encourage children to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning in Illinois. Studies show STEM education helps close the achievement gap and better prepares students for success in college and their careers, which are key parts of Governor Quinn's agenda to improve education in Illinois. Abdul-Jabbar, a New York Times best-selling author, co-wrote the children's book "What Color is my World? - The Lost History of African American Inventors" which promotes STEM innovation and learning among children.

"Our schools and education systems must always put our children first," Governor Quinn said. "STEM gives students in Illinois and throughout the United States the tools they need to be competitive in the global economy of today and tomorrow."

"If America is to maintain our high standard of living, we must continue to innovate," said Abdul-Jabbar. "We are competing with nations many times our size and STEM learning represents the engines of innovation. With these engines we can lead the world, because knowledge is real power."

Several heads of Illinois-based corporations joined Abdul-Jabbar and Governor Quinn at Martin Luther King, Jr. College Preparatory High School to participate in a public dialogue with students about the important roles education and perseverance play in their future. They also presented the school with a $5,000 grant for new textbooks, ensuring that these students have the resources they need to succeed.

"The importance of attracting our young people to science, technology, engineering and math is undeniable as companies such as Navistar seek the talent needed to grow and prosper," said Greg Elliott, Navistar senior vice president of HR and Administration. "Navistar's decision to expand in Illinois was rooted in our belief that we have great talent in this state, and today's event is evidence of the collective commitment to Illinois' education."

"When I'm hiring, one of the most important things I look for is a good education," said John Griffin Jr., President of AGB Investigative Services, one of the Midwest's leading minority-owned cyber security firms. "Students who learn about information technology and computers at an earlier age have a leg up because the skills they have are what companies need to compete in today's economy."

"A. Finkl & Sons is pleased to participate in the Governor's initiative to encourage the study of science, technology, engineering and math in our schools. Encouraging students at an early age makes a huge difference, and teachers can use more tools that engage our children, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabar's book," said Bruce Liimatainen, Chairman and CEO.

Academic focus in STEM areas have proven to foster innovation and provide students with the building blocks to succeed scholastically and professionally. The solution for long term economic growth points to a strong STEM workforce. Increased proficiency in these realms gives students an advantage in the 21stcentury global marketplace.

Under Governor Quinn's leadership, state officials have begun to implement a statewide initiative known as the STEM Learning Exchange to focus on educating and training students in nine key career fields, including: health science, agriculture, food and natural resources, information technology, finance, architecture and construction, transportation, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, research and developmental energy.

The program involves strong collaboration between pre-K-12 schools, colleges and professionals in each of the nine STEM fields to provide students with targeted resources such as internships and other work-based learning opportunities. Students also can also connect with adult mentors and apply what they learn in the classroom to a career. The program will launch in fall of 2012, and is funded through federal Race to the Top education funds.

 

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19 Mar 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Key Appointment

By Katelyn Tye

Ann McCabe to Join Illinois Commerce Commission

CHICAGO - March 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced his appointment of Ann McCabe to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Today's action is the latest in a series of appointments Governor Quinn will make as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

"Ann McCabe brings a wide range of experience to the commission, and I am confident her strong leadership will enhance the essential regulatory and consumer protections the ICC provides every day," Governor Quinn said. "I look forward to Ann using her extensive expertise to make sure Illinois consumers of all sizes have reliable, safe and affordable public utility services."

McCabe has 30 years of experience dealing with energy and environmental policy in government and the non-profit and private sectors. She is currently a principal in her own consulting firm where she has analyzed policies and regulations affecting fuels and refineries in Illinois, Indiana and across the Midwest. She previously served as Midwest regional director for The Climate Registry and assisted the city of Chicago with presenting its Climate Action Plan to the business community.

"It's an honor to be appointed to the Illinois Commerce Commission, and I would like to thank Governor Quinn," Ms. McCabe said. "I look forward to helping ensure that Illinois balances the needs and interests of consumers and businesses across the state."

Additionally, McCabe previously served as partner and treasurer of Policy Solutions Ltd, where she worked on environmental and energy-related projects for corporations, trade associations, non-profits and foundations. She also managed policy and regulatory issues for BP (formerly Amoco). Her prior Illinois government experience includes serving as a budget analyst responsible for the Department of Natural Resources, an assistant to an ICC commissioner and associate director of Illinois' Washington D.C. office, where she developed positions on amendments to the federal Clean Air Act.

McCabe is a board member of the Illinois Environmental Council and a founding member of the Foresight Sustainable Business Alliance, as well as a past president of Chicago Women in Government Relations. She has a bachelor's degree from Williams College and a master's degree in public policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago.

The Illinois Commerce Commission acts as a bridge between consumers and Illinois' utility companies, seeking an appropriate balance between the interests of consumers and service providers in order to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and low-cost public utility services for all citizens of Illinois.

 

 

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19 Mar 2012

Local students study abroad through the 'Augustana in Australia' program

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Forty-seven Augustana College students studied and worked in Sydney, Australia, for the first two months of 2012. The international study program known as "Augustana in Australia" places students in career-relevant positions in Sydney and immerses them in Australian culture.

From your area:

Rebecca Anderson from Taylor Ridge, Ill., was among the participants. Anderson is a senior at Augustana and is majoring in biology. (More info on Anderson is available at http://www.augustana.edu/x37549.xml.)

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, was among the participants. Harris is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in biology. (More info on Harris is available at http://www.augustana.edu/x37561.xml.)

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, Ill., was among the participants. Kilbride is a junior at Augustana and is majoring in communication sciences and disorders. (More info on Kilbride is available at http://www.augustana.edu/x37570.xml.)

The students completed a five-week on-campus internship seminar and a complimentary class in either intercultural communication or business ethics before leaving for Australia on January 2. Once in Australia, students worked for a variety of employers in numerous fields - from healthcare to education and from hospitality to non-profit work.

During their trip, the students also visited the ANZ Stadium, where the 2000 Olympics were held; the Sydney Opera House; and the Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney. Some students traveled to New Zealand and other areas of Australia, including Melbourne, Darwin and Cairns, where they were able to snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef. Students returned to the United States on March 2.

According to Karen M. Petersen, Augustana's director of business internships and the Australia program's director, "The highlight of the Australia internship program is the personal growth students experience by integrating into a totally new culture - both personally and professionally."

At Augustana, students choosing to intern or study abroad can receive financial support from the college thanks to a program launched in 2009 called Augie Choice. Focused on advancing student learning in the liberal arts in alignment with the college's strategic plan, Augie Choice grants students in their junior year or beyond the opportunity to receive a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the expenses of study abroad, an internship or research project. Augie Choice funding, which recently surpassed the $1 million milestone, is a visible symbol of the college's commitment to experiential learning as a way of preparing students to stand out among their peers.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers nearly 90 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of approximately 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

19 Mar 2012

Local students rank in the top 2 percent in agriculture and life sciences at ISU

By TheLink Delivery Service
AMES, Iowa - Stephanie Blaser and Gabriel Domingues, both of Bettendorf, Iowa, have achieved academic ranking in the top 2 percent of students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
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19 Mar 2012

Farmers get last chance to put their school district first

By Kevin Stillman

Deadline approaching for $10,000 or $25,000 grant opportunities

ST. LOUIS (March 15, 2012) - With rural schools feeling the pinch of tightening budgets, now is the time for farmers to support their school district through America's Farmers Grow Rural Education?.  Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program gives farmers the opportunity to nominate their public school district to compete for a grant of $10,000 or $25,000 to support a science and/or math educational program.
"The deadline to nominate your school district is April 15, so act now before you head back into the field," said Monsanto Fund President Deborah Patterson. "A $25,000 grant can make a big difference in school districts that support small farming towns. The nomination process is quick, easy and can be completed at GrowRuralEducation.com."
This past fall, Olympia Community School District in McLean County, Ill., was one of 16 school districts to receive a grant through the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education pilot. The school created the Growing Our Own Vegetable program with the $25,000 grant they received this past fall. The Olympia students are now able to grow vegetables in their greenhouse to study in science class and, ultimately, to be used in the school's cafeteria.
"The Growing Our Own Vegetable program is something we've wanted to do for years, and we finally got the opportunity, thanks to the Monsanto Fund and America's Farmers Grow Rural Education," said Brad Hutchinson, superintendent of Olympia CUSD. "We now have the resources to continue providing the very best education to our students."
Farmers can nominate their local school district by visiting GrowRuralEducation.com until April 15, 2012.
Through America's Farmers Grow Rural Education:

  • Farmers in 1,245 eligible counties can nominate their local public school districts to apply for a $10,000 or $25,000 grant.
  • The Monsanto Fund will award 199 grants this year. There will be 177 $10,000 grants and 22 grants of $25,000 awarded.
  • The Monsanto Fund will invest more than $2.3 million to school districts in 39 states this year.
  • A list of eligible states and regions can be found at GrowRuralEducation.com.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow academic opportunities for their youth. Visit GrowRuralEducation.com for additional information.

About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

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19 Mar 2012

New Children's Book Teaches Kids About Semi Trucks

By Rick Martin

Inspired by children's attentions, Papa Rolly offers a new guide to long-haul trucking

THORSBY, Alberta - In the endearing new children's book Sam The Semi Goes to Chicago (published by Trafford Publishing), author and longtime trucker Papa Rolly offers young readers a glimpse into the often unseen world of long-haul trucking.

 

"I was on a dedicated run from Edmonton, Alberta to Chicago, Illinois, and was inspired by children's fascination with my truck," Rolly writes. "It didn't matter if they were in their parent's car, waiting for the school bus or in the schoolyard playing games, they would give me the signal to honk my air horn. It was then that I believed children needed a semi truck storybook."

 

Rolly asks readers to share in the world of Sam the Semi, who demonstrates good work ethic and obeys the laws of the highway. He encourages parents to draw their children into the world of the unknown as Sam explores new towns, cities and countryside locations with this friends - Pete the Puller, who thrives on trouble, and Pug, a follower. Between the two of them, they keep Denture the Deputy busy!

 

Rolly wants to entertain young readers, but he also hopes that they learn an interesting lesson. He wants to "... entertain and educate children about products and where they are produced; to emphasize the importance of semi trucks in the everyday lives of everyone, including the children and their families."

 

About the Author

Papa Rolly has been driving truck for forty years. "At any point in my career," he says, "you may have passed me on the road hauling hay, lumber, logs, milk, oil, or even the clothes you are wearing right now."

 

Rolly loves the highway, and is excited to share his trucking experience.

19 Mar 2012

One million dollars in federal grant money helps two local schools keep the "Lights ON "for Learning during after school hours

By Rick Martin
Bright yellow Lights ON for Learning Center banners have been raised at Glenview Middle and
United Township High School in East Moline. The Rock Island County Regional Office of
Education (RIROE) has received two new 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC)
federal grants. These are highly competitive grants administered through the Illinois State
Board of Education (ISBE) to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities and activities

in "Lights ON" Community Learning Centers offered beyond regular school hours.

Glenview Middle School and United Township High School in East Moline are the recipients of
the two new grants of $250,000 each year over the next three years. These will fund Lights ON
academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities to students and their families during non-school
hours (before or after school) or periods when school is not in session (including holidays, weekends,
or summer recess). Glenview and UTHS will work with community partners to offer students a broad
array of additional services, programs, and activities designed to reinforce and complement the regular
academic programs of participating students.

For Glenview Middle, activities include youth development activities, drug and violence prevention
programs, counseling programs, art, music, and recreation programs, technology education programs, and
character education programs; and literacy and related educational services to the families of participating
children. Jeff Fairweather, Glenview principal, is excited about the grant money and says the program is
sorely needed. "The CCLC Grant and the Lights ON program have provided desperately needed funding
and a system of support for our students that did not exist previously. It has allowed us to provide our
students with needed academic support as well as develop programs to meet the social/emotional needs
of our middle school students." Glenview will receive $130,000 each year for three years of the program.

Teresa Dothard-Campbell is Glenview's Lights ON Site Coordinator. She says the program is very
popular with the students. "We currently have 407 students enrolled in the program and see an average
of 120 students each evening. Students who attend on a regular basis are making great strides in their
academic achievement and the proof is in their grades. Our students are enjoying the partnerships we have
established with Two Rivers YMCA, the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and Red Cross; along
with enrichment activities through Q.C. Social Dancing. "

Principal of United Township High School, Carl Johnson, oversees their program with Anthony Ragona,
Assistant Principal. Mr. Johnson said the program is already having a positive impact on students. "We
currently have students participating in English, Math, Science and Reading enrichment and support
programs. During our 1st week of spring intercession alone we were able to provide academic help for
more than 200 students. We anticipate strong participation in the spring Advanced Placement exams due
to several of these programs. The activities offered at UTHS are opportunities students would not have
were it not for this grant!"

Glenview and UTHS will join the network of Lights ON CLCs developed by the RIROE and local Rock
Island County school districts in 2001. Over the past ten (10) years, twenty (20) Rock Island County
schools have received 21st CCLC grant funds to establish Lights ON Community Learning Centers
in their schools. The programs are collaborative ventures that engage community organizations and
agencies contributing programs and services. The CLCs are to serve the families of participating

students by offering literacy and related educational development activities. Black Hawk College

Adult Education Program is the partner who provides the family programming offering family

literacy, English As a Second Language, and GED preparation classes. The Lights ON CLCs established
under the 21st CCLC program must provide a safe environment for students when school is not in session
including safe travel accommodations to and from the center and home.

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19 Mar 2012

New Book Offers Children Education Against Bullying

By Author House

Author and teaching major Courtney Jefferson pens new book on popular and important  issue in today's school systems

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - According to the National Education Association, it is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. With staggering statistics such as these, it isn't hard to see a growing problem for today's youth. To help those being bullied, or even those who are bullies themselves, Courtney Jefferson has penned her new book Shoo, Bobby Don't Bother Me! (published by AuthorHouse).

 

Shoo, Bobby Don't Bother Me! tells the story of Billy Bubbles, a youngster who is being bullied at school by Bobby Mitchell, the biggest boy in class. Through his trials and tribulations, readers will learn important tactics on the proper way to deal with a bully and that it is okay to speak up for themselves.

 

Jefferson was inspired to write her book when she met a little girl who was being bullied her first year in school. "She was in kindergarten and was already having problems with a bully," she explains. "I then began to think about all the other children out there who are being bullied, have been bullied, or are bullies themselves. I wanted to address this issue head on."

 

"Bullying is starting younger and younger and my book addresses it on an elementary level."

 

About the Author

Courtney Jefferson was born October 18, 1988 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jefferson recently attended Northwest Missouri State University, majoring in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education. Teaching has been one of her lifelong goals, though, ultimately, she would like to open her own preschool.

 

. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

19 Mar 2012

Sarah Dooley Named to Dean's List at Emory College

By Jill Hennecy

ATLANTA, GA (03/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Sarah Dooley of Bettendorf, Iowa (52722), daughter of Dr. John Dooley and Karen Dooley, was named to the Dean's List of Emory College, the undergraduate, liberal arts college of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., for the 2011 fall semester.

Students must be in the top 20 percent of Emory College or have approximately a 3.81 grade point average or higher to be named to the Dean's List.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

19 Mar 2012

WQPT helps tackle the Drop-Out Crisis

By Lora Adams

WQPT Assists Efforts to Increase the Quad Cities Graduation Rate 

New Public Media Programming and Public Engagement Initiatives to Help Students and Teachers

WQPT Quad Cities PBS has initiated a series of broadcast, online and community activities as part of "American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen," a national public media initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to help the Quad Cities and other communities across America to address the high school dropout crisis.

 

Every year 1 million kids drop out of high school nationwide. In the Quad Cities, over 700 students fail to graduate each year, according to Achieve Quad Cities. The estimated economic impact on the Quad Cities is a loss of $2.3 million per student over a lifetime in revenues and earnings, according to the Alliance for Excellence in Education.

 

WQPT Quad Cities PBS is one of more than 60 public media and television stations around the country that are working directly with their communities to address the dropout crisis. WQPT Quad Cities PBS and "American Graduate" project partners, Achieve Quad Cities, area public schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Putnam Museum and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce have developed a blend of media across several platforms - TV, radio, online - and community engagement efforts designed to raise public awareness and offer solutions to increase Quad City high school graduation rates.

 

"Education has always been at the center of public broadcasting," said Rick Best, WQPT General Manager. "That's why we are proud to be a part of this important national initiative and are honored to work with the local community to make sure Quad City students stay in school and graduate.  We cannot allow a generation of our young people to fall through the cracks."

 

"Every year, one million of our nation's young people make the life altering decision to drop out of school resulting in severe consequences for their future and our country," said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB.  "Through the 'American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen' initiative, America's public radio and television stations - locally owned and operated - are engaging local  non-profit partners, business leaders, parents and teachers to help young people stay on the path to a high school diploma."

 

WQPT's "American Graduate" initiative began in July with awareness PSA's to encourage community members to volunteer as career mentors to area youth.  These are still airing today on WQPT and other area broadcast channels. In addition to increasing the number of adult mentors in the community, WQPT created local programming that educated viewers about the drop out crisis in the Quad Cities and how they could be a part of the community-wide effort to increase the high school graduation rate.

 

Roundtable "The Drop Out Crisis"

In December and January, WQPT aired a one-hour special featuring experts from the area who talked about the drop-out rate, the steps being taken to identify mentors, to inspire and encourage students to stay in school and to drive awareness about the economic impact to our community.

 

"I was deeply moved and truly surprised by what I learned in WQPT's Achieve Quad Cities special The Drop-Out Crisis. I've always known how much a personal tragedy it is when a student fails to complete high school. I had no idea of the scope of the impact on our community. Thank you WQPT, for shining light on this very challenging problem facing the QC and for motivating others, as it did me, to be a part of the solution," Deanna Jensen, WQPT viewer.

Visit youtube.com/wqptpbs to see episodes of WQPT's "The Cities with Jim Mertens" featuring Achieve Quad Cities partners in action. You'll also find the special roundtable "Tackling the Drop Out Crisis" featuring area education leaders.

 

About WQPT

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University.

 

About American Graduate 

The public media initiative, American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen, is helping communities across America identify and implement solutions to address the high school dropout crisis. Supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the multi-year campaign is designed to raise awareness and dialogue through national and local multiplatform programming.  Targeting communities with highest dropout rates, the initiative also increases local engagement and action through collaborations and partnerships, and increases student engagement through teacher professional development and classroom curricula. Public radio and television stations - locally owned and operated - reach 99% of the country over the air, have built models for successful intervention in early learning, and have deep connections in the communities they serve. Nearly 300 partnerships have been formed locally through American Graduate and CPB is partnering with America's Promise Alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Visit American Graduate on Facebook, Twitter or AmericanGraduate.org.

 

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,300 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services. 

 

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