http://www.send2press.com/newswire/ Business, Entertainment and Technology News Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:19:40 GMT http://neotrope.com 60 en-us 144 31 http://www.send2press.com/newswire/index.shtml http://www.send2press.com/XML/send2press-rss.gif http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-02-0207-001.shtml Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:58:58 GMT Internet Opinion Grand Junction Colorado Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-02-0207-001.shtml PETAP LLC GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Feb. 7, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- PETAP, LLC (www.petap.org) has discovered recent reports on the subject of online education showing that not only are more students taking advantage of classes offered via the internet, but that the opinions of teachers and administrators regarding online education are changing as well.

According to a report entitled "Going the Distance - Online Education in the United States, 2011" published by the College Board and the Babson Survey Research Group, over 6 million students are currently taking at least one class online. This number indicates that almost one-third of higher-education students in the U.S. are now taking at least one course over the internet, over 560,000 more than in 2010.

The report data also demonstrates a significant shift in the way teachers and school administrators feel about online programs. In 2011, 67 percent of academic professionals polled were of the opinion that online classes can be equally as effective as face-to-face classes. In 2003, only 50 percent responded this way. Therefore, as more institutions are offering classes online, those working in the industry are becoming more open to the idea. While two-thirds of educators believe online education is a worthwhile pursuit, only one-third believe otherwise and many of them work in institutions that do not offer online learning options.

It is important to note that many of these educators teach curriculums that are not conducive to online studies. Chemistry and art for example often require physical interaction from students, making it difficult for these subjects to be taught online effectively. Others, however, such as business administration, lend themselves to the platform of online education because of how crucial online interaction is in today's business world. Subsequently business administration is commonly one the most popular online degree programs pursued, along with online degrees in nursing and online criminal justice degrees.

There are several factors believed to have an effect on the overall shift in the mentality of educators. However, the most common is the technological capabilities now available to teachers and students, making it possible to achieve a highly interactive, educational experience, much like they could in a traditional classroom. The computers, tablets, and smartphones available, along with the ever-evolving software capabilities and network options, make online degree opportunities too convenient to ignore.

The statistics prove that perceptions regarding online education are beginning to shift, including those of educators, along with the fact that new online degree programs are popping up all over the place. Degree programs can be found in virtually every area of study, and websites like PETAP.org make it easier than ever to read about available programs and make a truly educated decision.

More information: http://www.petap.org/distance-learning-online-schools-directory.cfm .

About PETAP:
PETAP.org offers complimentary no obligation information pertaining to campus based and online schools, creating an education plan, and career testing for those looking to take advantage of online learning.

NEWS SOURCE: PETAP LLC
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: PETAP LLC, Education and Schools, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0118-003.shtml Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:39:38 GMT Education NonProfit New York New York Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0118-003.shtml Association of American University Presses NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of American University Presses (AAUP) celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding in 1937. AAUP is an organization grounded in a tradition of service, whose members engage in forward-looking publishing programs and innovations. Both the history of the association and the future of scholarly communications will provide focus for a series of events, including a "University Press Week" in November 2012, to mark the occasion of the AAUP 75th anniversary.

AAUP President MaryKatherine Callaway (Director, Louisiana State University Press) states: "Over the past 75 years, the AAUP has promoted collaboration among its member presses and worked to help them explain the significant role university presses play. Not only do we contribute to the academic process, but many presses also examine and explain the culture and history of their region, and all AAUP members publish books that educate, inform, and enlighten. The organization also continues to assist its presses to make sense of an increasingly complex publishing landscape, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and expertise."

What is the Association of American University Presses?

AAUP can be defined by both its members and its mission. In 1937, a dozen or so university presses, representing institutions across North America, appointed officers to a new association, formalizing the ad hoc conversations between scholarly publishers that had been taking place since the 1920s. Today, AAUP represents 134 nonprofit scholarly publishers from 10 countries. While most AAUP members are presses sponsored by or based at universities, a significant number are independent publishers, or the publishing arms of societies, museums, and think tanks, that share the mission and standards of AAUP.

AAUP members publish books, journals, and new forms of scholarly work across all fields of inquiry from the humanities and social sciences to mathematics, medicine, and technology, and often support emerging and interdisciplinary scholarship. AAUP presses range greatly in size, from those publishing 2-5 new titles each year, to those who produce in excess of 2000. Each press shares a commitment to serve society, the academy, and their community through disseminating works of scholarship, art, and thought.

AAUP's mission is to assist its members through professional education, cooperative services, and public advocacy. "Our mission has remained consistent over the past 75 years," says AAUP Executive Director Peter Givler, "although what the association does to support that mission evolves along with publishing trends, new technologies, and the shifting landscape of scholarly communications."

Throughout 2012, AAUP will dive into its archives to refresh institutional memory, through online features and articles about the milestones and important programs that have shaped the association. Today, January 18, marks the date in 1928 when 12 university presses met and decided on the first cooperative project of the ad hoc group, a combined catalog of university press books titled "Shelfward Ho!" Every thoughtful publisher and scholar knows, however, that while an understanding of the past is vital, it is the work of today and tomorrow that holds the most importance for the next 75 years of nonprofit scholarly publishing.

"Progress and a cohesive spirit" was the how Publishers Weekly characterized AAUP in 1967, and this can serve as a motto still today. At the 2012 AAUP Annual Meeting in Chicago (June 18-20) and during the inaugural "University Press Week" (November 11-17), the association, its members, and its wider community will engage the present and future of AAUP and scholarly communications.

For more about university presses, visit: http://www.aaupnet.org/about-aaup/about-university-presses .

Information on the 134 members of AAUP can be found here: http://www.aaupnet.org/aaup-members/membership-list .

NEWS SOURCE: Association of American University Presses
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Association of American University Presses, Books and Publishing, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0110-002.shtml Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:08:28 GMT Events Computing Houston Texas Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0110-002.shtml Softway Solutions HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 10, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Houston-based technology company Softway Solutions is giving students an inside look at the fast-paced profession of game development. In an ongoing effort to help educate the Houston community, Softway Solutions Director of 3D Animation Nathan Smith is teaching an "Introduction to Game Design" class at LoneStar College System. With one semester already under Smith's belt, another one is slated to kick off on Jan. 21, 2012. The classes are held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.

In this class, students have the opportunity to learn from a professional the factors for success in the field and also the issues surrounding the industry. The curriculum begins with basic information, such as what characteristics define games and the basic principles of modern games across a variety of platforms including mobile, web and console games. The class also offers information on the basics of game design and structure. Students work together in groups with regular advisement from Smith and his years of knowledge.

Not only do the students receive valuable information on the game design industry, but also develop a valuable contact in Smith, who leaves students with his contact information for future communication, advisement and connecting with other professional of the industry. While game design is the center focus for the class, Smith wants to broaden students understanding of the 3D industry as a whole and can serve as a stepping-stone for students to use in order to transition into other fields outside of gaming. Smith, who admittedly finds great enjoyment out of helping students find their own creative path, is the epitome of what Softway Solutions is trying to do for its community in 2012.

The Introduction to Game Design class is just the beginning of a larger effort the company is building to continually educate the community. Softway Solutions will make these efforts through professional development of their websites, Internet marketing, creative design, branding and other avenues.

About Softway Solutions:
Established in 2003, Softway Solutions has been the company of choice for many customers for web design, web and mobile application development and other multimedia needs. Softway Solutions employs over 115 associates both in the United States and abroad. The company's clients run the spectrum with which industries they belong to - from health care companies to architects. No matter what technology solution is needed, Softway Solutions has the answer.

For more information, and media queries, contact:
Nathan Smith
281-914-4381
contact[at]softwaysolutions.com .

NEWS SOURCE: Softway Solutions
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Softway Solutions, Education and Schools, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0106-002.shtml Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:49:51 GMT Events Entertainment Los Angeles California Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0106-002.shtml Los Angeles School of Gymnastics LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 6, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- This Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2 p.m., former USA National Team members Diana Mkhitaryan and Rebecca Terzian and the 2011 VISA USA National Qualifier Heather Chan from the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics (LASG) will perform at UCLA's Women's Gymnastics 7th Annual John Wooden Challenge at The John Wooden Center (221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095). The John Wooden Challenge honors all competing teams' academic and athletic achievements.

The LASG team will be opening UCLA's PAC 12 Women's Gymnastics Meet with a rhythmic gymnastics group performance to promote the upcoming 2012 LA Lights Tournament of Champions, hosted by LASG.

Tanya Berenson, LASG's general manager, is scheduled to open this event. Berenson opened the 2011 gymnastics showcase at Pauley Pavilion alongside Coach John Wooden.

Tickets for the UCLA gymnastics meet are on sale now at the UCLA Central Ticket Office: http://tickets.ucla.edu . In addition, season tickets are on sale for $30 and include admission to all five home meets. Single-meet general admission tickets are also on sale at the UCLA Central Ticket Office and at Ticketmaster for $7 for adults and $5 for youth (16 and under). UCLA students are free with ID.

About Los Angeles School of Gymnastics (LASG):
LASG, an Olympic-quality training center, is a nonprofit corporation, is considered among the top training facilities in the country, which has been training Los Angeles youth since 1975. Led by Alla Svirsky, LASG has provided thousands of young athletes with quality gymnastics instruction and has produced several Olympians and internationally-ranked athletes. Visit www.lagymnastics.com .

About 2012 L.A. Lights Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational:
LA Lights is one of the largest rhythmic gymnastics events in the nation. Sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and USA Gymnastics Federation, the tournament hosts hundreds of the world's most diverse and competitive athletes in rhythmic gymnastics, including world champions from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, USA, and many more. Visit www.lalightsmeet.com for more information.

- 300dpi photo download for media:
http://send2press.com/mediaboom/12-0106-heatherchan_300dpi.jpg .

- Photo Caption: Heather Chan - 2011 Visa USA National Qualifier.

NEWS SOURCE: Los Angeles School of Gymnastics
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, Sports and Activities, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0104-004.shtml Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:07:04 GMT Education Women's Interests Dallas Texas Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0104-004.shtml Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 4, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas will hold its third lecture, "What is a Girly-Girl?," in its 2011-2012 series on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. in partnership with The Dallas Institute for Humanities and Culture.

Author Peggy Orenstein will discuss today's "girly-girl" culture that influences them from infancy onward: from princesses with pink gowns to spa birthday parties for six-year-olds, to Miley Cyrus to how thirteen-year-olds present themselves on Facebook, it tells a girl that how she looks matters more than who she is.

"We're seeing a 'Kardashianization' of girlhood," says Orenstein, whose examination of the lives of young women began in 1994 with her classic book "Schoolgirls." "It's a worrisome trend for those who want daughters to thrive and become confident, happy women. Formerly neutral toys have become gendered, narrowing a girl's idea about her sexuality, future relationships and academic and professional potential. Girls are being encouraged to embrace this materialistic, image-saturated femininity through an unprecedented amount of marketing targeted at ever-younger ages."

Writer and speaker Peggy Orenstein is author of "Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture" and other books. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and many other publications.

This lecture is the third in the series, "What is a Girl?," which takes a critical look at how girls have been envisioned from ancient mythology to today's popular culture and tomorrow's leadership in science and technology.

"We could not have picked a better partner than The Dallas Institute for Humanities and Culture," says Girls Inc. CEO Lori Palmer. "The theme, 'What is a girl?' has proven to be as complex and provocative a subject as it is a captivating one."

As with all the lectures in this series, Orenstein will present and then lead a discussion with audience members after a reception with wine, cheese, fruit and coffee at 6:00 p.m. The lecture takes place on Wednesday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. at The Dallas Institute for Humanities and Culture located at 2719 Routh Street, Dallas. Admission is $25.

Register online for "What Is a Girly-Girl?" at GirlsIncDallas.org/LectureSeries or by contacting Lisa Rossi at lrossi@girlsincdallas.org or 214.654.4553. Seating is limited to 100. Sponsors include the Dallas Business Journal, WRR Classical 101, Kroger, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts of Dallas and Texas Instruments.

The remaining lecture events are as follows:

Wednesday, April 4, 2012, "What is a STEM Girl? Girls in Science, Engineering, Math and Technology."

The concluding lecture of the series will consider the feminine role in scientific and theoretical fields, most if not all of which have traditionally been associated with men. How did such a tradition develop? In what ways is it changing? And what does the future hold for girls who are drawn to these professions?

About Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas:
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas aims to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold(SM). For more than 40 years, Girls Inc. has provided effective life skills and enrichment programs that empower girls to take daily charge of their lives. At four campuses, Girls Inc. offers learning and development opportunities for personal effectiveness, academics, and career planning so that girls ages six to 18 are inspired to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. To learn more, visit www.girlsincdallas.org .

About The Dallas Institute for Humanities and Culture:
The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is a nonprofit educational organization whose purpose is to enrich and deepen the practical life of the city with the wisdom and imagination of the humanities. The Dallas Institute accomplishes its purpose through programs for school teachers and principals, general courses of study, public and professional seminars, publications, conferences, and civic involvement. For more information, go to www.dallasinstitute.org .

Media Contact:
Vanina Sloan
Communications and Marketing Director
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas
+1-214-654-4536
vsloan@girlsincdallas.org .

NEWS SOURCE: Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, Regional Events, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0104-002.shtml Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:59:22 GMT Education Legal and Law Petersburg Virginia Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0104-002.shtml Christopher Zoukis PETERSBURG, Va., Jan. 4, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Why should the American taxpayer care about people who are incarcerated in our prison system? Simple, it is a true cost-saving measure that should be discussed. In "EDUCATION BEHIND BARS" (ISBN: 978-1934597774; Sunbury Press; January, 2012) author Christopher Zoukis makes the case for why all Americans should support education in our prison system. Most Americans do not realize that the United States could save upwards of $60 billion each year by simply educating prisoners.

According to the Journal of Correctional Education, the U.S. incarcerates over 2.3 million persons, a number equal to 5 percent of the country's population. The U.S. accounts for 25 percent of the entire incarcerated population worldwide. Each of these millions of prisoners costs the American taxpayer between $32,000 to $40,000 each year in food and housing.

Of those 2.3 million prisoners, around 800,000 will be released each year and most, that is a staggering 70 percent to 85 percent will return to prison within five years. The exception is prisoners who receive education in prison.

The same study found that a prisoner with an Associate's degree reduces the rate of recidivism and return to prison to 13.7 percent and those with Bachelor's degree to 5.6 percent. Prisoners who have attained a Master's Degree have a 0 percent chance of returning to prison. The Institute for Higher Education Policy calculates the cost of educating one prisoner to be $2,000 to $3,782 per year which is done mostly via distance learning/online. This additional cost is drastically lower than the $40,000 per year costs in simply incarcerating a person.

"EDUCATION BEHIND BARS" is the ultimate source for why Americans should champion the education of prisoners and provides detailed information on how "EDUCATION BEHIND BARS" can be made easily available to prisoners at a reasonable cost.

One fact that should make all Americans think twice: The United States spends $30.1 billion each year to build more prisons. This is money that could be used in more productive ways that benefit the taxpayer.

For more information about "EDUCATION BEHIND BARS" or to arrange an interview with the author, please contact Newman Communications: 125 Walnut Street, Suite 2050, Watertown, MA 02472; Ph: 617.254.4500.

"EDUCATION BEHIND BARS A Win-Win Strategy for Maximum Security," by Christopher Zoukis; Sunbury Press, January 2012, ISBN 978-193-459-7774 U.S. $19.95.

To purchase, please visit: http://www.sunburypress.com/ebb.html - or for more information visit http://www.prisoneducation.com .

NEWS SOURCE: Christopher Zoukis
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Christopher Zoukis, Books and Publishing, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0103-003.shtml Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:30:38 GMT Family Women's Interests Dallas Texas Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0103-003.shtml Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 3, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On December 28, 2011, President Obama issued a proclamation designating January 2012 as National Mentoring Month. He stated: "Every day, mentors help young Americans face the challenges of growing into adulthood. By setting a positive example and sharing their time, knowledge, and experience, mentors play an essential role in preparing our Nation's youth for a bright future." Themed "Invest in the Future: Mentor a Child," January 2012 marks the eleventh annual National Mentoring Month, a time each year when the President spotlights the importance of mentors and the need for every child to have the guidance of a caring adult.

Without positive role models, teen girls often face a "crisis of confidence" and are especially vulnerable to risky behavior and making bad choices with devastating lifelong consequences. With this in mind and focused on empowering all girls and young women, ages six to 18, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas is launching a new mentoring program that helps adult women connect with girls and provide them with ongoing support and encouragement.

"There are no special skills required to take advantage of the opportunity to mentor, only the willingness to help," said Leanne Hall, Volunteer Resource Director at Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas. "Mentors must pass a background check, be at least 21 years old and be dependable and consistent meeting time commitments of five hours per month. Selected women are carefully screened and then matched with our girls. The mentors will have the opportunity to encourage and support young girls through helping with homework, test preparation and providing guidance and friendship."

Sign up Now!
Mentor training kicks off on January 17, 2012. To participate in the program, or to learn more about this or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Leanne Hall at 214-654-4506 or lhall@girlsincdallas.org .

About Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas:
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas aims to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and BoldSM. For more than 40 years, Girls Inc. has provided effective life skills and enrichment programs that empower girls to take daily charge of their lives. At four campuses, Girls Inc. offers learning and development opportunities for personal effectiveness, academics, and career planning so that girls ages six to 18 are inspired to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. To learn more about making a difference in the lives of girls, visit www.girlsincdallas.org .

NEWS SOURCE: Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, Education and Schools, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1209-002.shtml Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:35:00 GMT Energy Construction Tipp City Ohio Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1209-002.shtml Energy Optimizers, USA TIPP CITY, Ohio, Dec. 9, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the continued growth in Ohio's demand for energy savings solutions, Energy Optimizers, USA has brought on new talent with the hiring of Mr. Bob Hausmann and the promotion of Mrs. Belinda Kenley to Vice President of Business Development.

Bob Hausmann, Operations Manager:
Hausmann, with more than thirty years' experience in design, development and construction, will manage the company's energy conservation projects and lighting retrofits, primarily in K-12 schools and local government agencies throughout Ohio. He formerly owned Hausmann Homes, designing and building custom homes and renovating existing homes with a focus on sustainable green living, and was Partner/President of the Special Projects Group at Miller Valentine from 1983-2006.

"I feel that Energy Optimizers, USA provides me with a great opportunity to introduce energy cost savings measures at an important time for Ohio commercial, industrial and institutional facilities," shared Hausmann. "With over $7 million dollars in energy savings projects underway, our clients are able to use these cost savings to more effectively manage their money."

Bob is a registered architect and LEED AP, BD+C, with a B.S. from the University of Detroit. He is affiliated with the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects, and serves in leadership volunteer roles with Habitat for Humanity and Dayton Red Cross.

Belinda Kenley, Vice President of Business Development:
Belinda Kenley formerly served in the capacity of Vice President of Operations and has now been promoted to Vice President of Business Development. Kenley previously worked for the Ohio Attorney General and Auditor of State Betty D. Montgomery and is a member of Centerville City Council. She is in the current class of Leadership Dayton and is active in numerous professional organizations, including Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Association of Energy Engineers, the I-70/75 Development Association, and National League of Cities.

Greg Smith, President of Energy Optimizers, USA says this of Kenley, "Belinda's role as VP of Business Development is critical for us. Schools and local government agencies across Ohio need to be better informed of their options in cost cutting measures that are available to them today." Mr. Smith refers to the budgetary relief provided by Ohio House Bill 264, 300 and 420 that provide K-12 schools and government agencies with options on how energy savings measures are paid for over time.

New Location:
The company has recently purchased a building along with an adjacent lot at 7950 South County Road 25A in Tipp City to house its expanding team, bringing the total property to about four acres, including two warehouses.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:
Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA visit their website at http://energyoptimizersusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

NEWS SOURCE: Energy Optimizers, USA
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Energy Optimizers, USA, Management Changes, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1208-003.shtml Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 GMT Education Women's Interests Dallas Texas Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1208-003.shtml Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 8, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas congratulates their alumna Bianca Bailey on her selection as a Champion of Change by the White House. Bianca is one of 12 recipients nationwide of the Champions of Change honor for being leaders in the effort to recruit and retain girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

As a part of the Champions of Change program, Bianca will take part in a special discussion on this issue at the White House on Friday, December 9. The discussion will be streamed live at www.whitehouse.gov/live at 3:30 p.m. EST. More about Champions of Change, including photos and blogs, will be available www.whitehouse.gov/champions .

Bianca attended Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas afterschool programs for nine years, and credits her hands-on STEM experiences and exposure to women scientist mentors as a key factor in selecting a STEM path of study and career. Bianca is currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering at Howard University, set to graduate in May 2012. There she is the campus President of Engineers Without Borders, doing volunteer work in Kenya, Brazil and Haiti. She also mentors girls at Girls Inc. of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

"We are incredibly proud of Bianca," said Girls Inc. President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh. "Bianca is a role model who has broken barriers and inspires other girls to do the same with her success. She truly embodies our mission of strong, smart, and bold."

"As a young girl, raised in a single-parent home by my father, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas was truly a support system for 9 years of my life," said Bianca. "The female staff and volunteers would welcome me every day after school and would tell me that the sky is the limit. They taught me that I could be and do anything I wanted, regardless of my circumstances. For me and my sister Ski Bailey, now a junior at Grambling State University, Girls Inc. was an outlet to freely express ourselves. Girls Inc. exposed us to many careers such as engineering, law, entrepreneurship, and art. This limitless exposure and strong, smart, and bold mindset Girls Inc. instilled in us, encouraged me to choose the non-traditional profession in chemical engineering. Girls Inc. is a program that really listens to girls and consistently inspires them to want to become more than what they thought they would be, in all areas of their lives. Now, I am a graduating senior at Howard University in Washington, DC. Upon receiving my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, if accepted, I will pursue a Ph.D. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Environmental Engineering with a focus on international development."

About Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas:
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas aims to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and BoldSM. For more than 40 years, Girls Inc. has provided effective life skills and enrichment programs that empower girls to take daily charge of their lives. At four campuses, Girls Inc. offers learning and development opportunities for personal effectiveness, academics, and career planning so that girls ages six to 18 are inspired to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. To learn more, visit www.girlsincdallas.org .

Media Contact:
Vanina Sloan
of Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas
+1-214-654-4536
vsloan @ girlsincdallas.org .

NEWS SOURCE: Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, Awards and Honors, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1205-003.shtml Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:29:00 GMT Events NonProfit Saint Paul Minnesota Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1205-003.shtml World Savvy ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 5, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On December 6, 2011, global education non-profit World Savvy, the Institute for Global Citizenship at Macalester College, and the Minnesota Humanities Center are sponsoring "Citizenship in a Sound Bite Era," a community forum among a range of individuals and organizations around Minnesota working to educate and engage young people for informed, responsible and sustained citizenship in the sound bite era.

For more information about the event, visit www.worldsavvy.org/events .

In an age where the half life of information is shrinking daily and where news is produced more to entertain than to inform, engaging citizens in sustained dialogue and action is more challenging than ever. While it's easier than ever before to take simple actions - to "like" a cause or forward an e-mail-are we preparing the next generation of citizens to really explore and think critically about issues, and embrace the complexity of the range of issues that challenge society? Or are we becoming a Sound Bite society and citizenry? On Tuesday December 6th, stakeholders from across the business, non-profit and government sectors will come together at Macalester College to share their thoughts and perspectives on this and other questions related to building an informed, engaged citizenry in the 21st century.

Panelists include Mark Ritchie, Minnesota Secretary of State, Brian Rosenberg, President of Macalester College, Dana Mortenson, Executive Director of World Savvy, Jamal Thompson, Director of Education at the National Black MBA Association of the Twin Cities, and Trista Harris, Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice.

Speakers will explore what citizenship looks like in a world where communities can no longer be defined strictly by geographic borders. They will share their thoughts on what knowledge and skills are required for citizenship in an era dominated by sound bites, social media and issues that cross borders of all forms. The audience will then have a chance to participate in the dialogue and share their own thoughts and perspectives on this critical issue.

The upcoming generation of stakeholders and leaders has unprecedented opportunity to both produce and consume information and media, and how we define engagement - in our democracy, in society, locally and globally - is evolving every day. This forum will explore what is working and what needs to change to ensure that the next generation of leaders and changemakers are prepared to address the challenges of the 21st century.

About World Savvy:
World Savvy is a global education non-profit working to educate and engage youth in community and world affairs. Through youth engagement programs and professional development for educators, World Savvy is working to close the global competency gap in K-12 education to ensure that every student graduates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for responsible citizenship in the 21'st century. Since founding in 2002, World Savvy has reached more than 160,000 youth and 1,900 educators from offices in San Francisco, Minneapolis and New York, as well as through online programs and services.

For more information about World Savvy, visit www.worldsavvy.org .

NEWS SOURCE: World Savvy
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: World Savvy, Education and Schools, Send2Press. ]]>