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Announcing the 2011 Afterschool for All Champions

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Announcing the 2011 Afterschool for All Champions

A very big congratulations to the 2011 “Afterschool for All” Champions!

Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST afterschool program and inventor of the Segway, received the 2011 National Afterschool Champion Award at the 10th annual Afterschool for All Challenge for his work advocating for improved teaching of science and technology and his efforts to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology through the FIRST programs. FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” Founded in 1989, FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education andcareer opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills. Children from K-12 work on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects, building robots to compete against other students' creations. U.S. Senator Jean Shaheen (NH) presented the Award.  (Kamen and Sen. Shaheen pictured with kids presenting the award at top.)

Nine Afterschool State Champions were honored for their work expanding access to quality afterschool programs, and, in many cases, more opportunities for children and youth to learn and get excited about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).   The 2011 Afterschool State Champions are:

  • Connecticut: Agnes Quiñones, Education Consultant, Connecticut State Department of Education

  • Kansas: Nancy Volpe, Consultant, CVS Pathways to Pharmacy and America’s Promise

  • Michigan: Kathleen Straus, Board Member, Michigan State Board of Education

  • Minnesota: R.T. Rybak, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis

  • Missouri: Sherry Comer, Afterschool Services Director, Camdenton R-III Schools

  • New Jersey: Vaughn L. McKoy, President, PSEG Foundation

  • New York: Kyle Stewart, Executive Director, Alliance of New York State YMCAs, Inc.

  • Pennsylvania: Carmen M. Medina, Chief of the Division of Student Services,Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Teaching and Learning

  • Virginia: Mark H. Emery, Administrator for After-School Programs, Fairfax CountyPublic Schools.

All of the awards were presented at the “Breakfast of Champions” during the Afterschool for All Challenge. The theme for this year’s Challenge was “Expanding STEM Afterschool.”  The event brought together hundreds of parents, educators, children, program directors and advocates from around the country for a series of events and meetings with Members of Congress.  This year is The Year of Science in Afterschool.