Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: CNSE & NYSSBA Partner to Recognize Innovative Educational Programs Across NY: Nomination process launches on March 1 for the 2013 “Be the Change for Kids” Innovation Awards

Home > Press > CNSE & NYSSBA Partner to Recognize Innovative Educational Programs Across NY: Nomination process launches on March 1 for the 2013 “Be the Change for Kids” Innovation Awards

Abstract:
In accordance with Governor Andrew Cuomo's vision and strategy for building a world-class nanotechnology workforce in New York, the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) and SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) today announced that nominations will be accepted starting March 1 for the second annual "Be the Change for Kids Innovation Awards," which recognize educational programs that help students gain important 21st century learning and career skills.

CNSE & NYSSBA Partner to Recognize Innovative Educational Programs Across NY: Nomination process launches on March 1 for the 2013 “Be the Change for Kids” Innovation Awards

Albany, NY | Posted on February 28th, 2013

"In supporting Governor Andrew Cuomo's pioneering model for educational opportunity and economic growth, the SUNY NanoCollege is delighted to again partner with NYSSBA to showcase innovative programs that prepare students for our growing nanotechnology-enabled society," said CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. "We look forward to recognizing the outstanding efforts of school districts across the state in thinking ‘outside the box' as they develop and deliver next-generation STEM education and training."

"We are excited to join forces with CNSE for the second year on this great program, and we encourage school districts from around the state to showcase their innovative educational programs and apply for an award," said NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer. "Last year, we had a great turnout of innovative entries from schools at all levels and we expect similar results this year."

For the second consecutive year, NYSSBA and CNSE have teamed up to present the awards program, which is designed to foster new and exciting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs across the state. Schools will also be rewarded for programs that develop students' creativity, critical thinking and civic responsibilities.

Three winning school districts will be honored and each will receive $5,000. Students and staff from the award-winning programs will participate in tours and activities at CNSE's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex and be honored at NYSSBA's Annual Convention in Rochester in October. Award winners in 2012 were the Berne-Knox Westerlo, New Lebanon, and Rondout Valley school districts.

In addition to describing their educational and/or career training programs, school districts applying for awards should demonstrate how their programs allow other schools to adopt similar curriculum models, provide a lasting impact on students in the district, and focus on career skills that are critical for New York's emerging workforce.

Invitations have gone out to all school districts and BOCES districts in the state and award nominations will be accepted through June 3, 2013. The nominations will be reviewed by a statewide panel of judges, with the winners to be announced in September.

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About UAlbany NanoCollege
The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE represents the world’s most advanced university-driven research enterprise, offering students a one-of-a-kind academic experience and providing over 300 corporate partners with access to an unmatched ecosystem for leading-edge R&D and commercialization of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology innovations. CNSE’s footprint spans upstate New York, including its Albany NanoTech Complex, an 800,000-square-foot megaplex with the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 85,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 3,100 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Lam Research. An expansion now underway, part of which will house the world’s first Global 450mm Consortium, will add nearly 500,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure, an additional 50,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms, and more than 1,000 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations. In addition, CNSE’s Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon provides a prototyping and demonstration line for next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, supporting its leadership of the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC). CNSE’s Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) in Rochester offers state-of-the-art capabilities for MEMS fabrication and packaging. CNSE also co-founded and manages operations at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT in Utica and is a co-founder of the Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Excelerator in Syracuse.

About NYSSBA

The New York State School Boards Association represents more than 650 school boards and more than 5,000 school board members in New York. NYSSBA provides advocacy, training, and information to school boards in support of their mission to govern the state's public schools.

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Contacts:
David Albert
Director
Communications and Research
NYSSBA
(518) 783-3716

Steve Janack
Vice President
Marketing and Communications
CNSE
(518) 956-7322