NJSACC Afterschool FLASH

$1 Million Grant from National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1 million grant to Citizen Schools to support our science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) apprenticeships, specifically to increase computing apprenticeships nationwide.  This prestigious grant will help us significantly increase the number of students who have the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals and graduate students from information technology and other scientific fields on projects ranging from computer game design to robotics to web design.

The Edgerton Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has conducted research indicating that 85% of middle school children are interested in STEM, but that two-thirds of them believe they will not pursue careers in STEM either because they don’t know any STEM professionals or they don’t know what those professionals really do.  At Citizen Schools, we know that early exposure to STEM careers, professionals and project-based learning opportunities is a great way to increase interest in the STEM field.

With assistance from supporters like the National Science Foundation, we’ll continue to connect students with volunteers who can speak credibly to the students, telling them about career opportunities in computing and related fields, as well as the academic preparation required to pursue them.   For more on some of the most recent Citizen Schools STEM apprenticeships across the country, visit WOWshowcase.org and select science/technology projects

IMPORTANT!

At this time there is no updated info on the NJ  Department of Agriculture web site, you must call for information.

The SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAMS provides FREE nutritious meals to children up to age 18, during summer vacation from school.

For information and learn about a site near your location contact:

Division of Food and Nutrition Services, NJ Department of Agriculture at:
609-292-4498.

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Summer Learning Day is just around the corner. We’re excited about the more than 400 Summer Learning Day events already planned and registered. Register your event by this Friday, June 18 and enter our final drawing for a 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi or a Wii game console with four controllers!

Plan your Summer Learning Day event and advocate for summer’s awesome learning opportunities with providers across the country. Don’t miss out! Remember that your event doesn’t have to take place on June 21 for you to participate; schedule your event when it works best for your program, but be sure to register. Register your event and be automatically entered in the last incentive drawing!

As you countdown to your event, remember to go through the planning checklist to be sure you’ve prepared all the details.

• Did you call special guests to confirm their attendance?
  
• Did you contact your local media outlets with an event advisory?
  
• Have you chosen someone to collect news clips from your event, so you can share them with other National Summer Learning members?

Get planning help by checking out the resources at summerlearning.org/SLDplan.

Questions about Summer Learning Day? Email Susanne Sparks.