2012 Spark Fellowship Deadline Rapidly Approaching on Sept. 17^th!

Do you know a graduate or doctoral student who is interested in education, technology, or the intersection of the two? Do you think you have a friend who does excellent research and is passionate for learning? Let them know about the 2012 Spark Fellowship! With the rapidly approaching deadline of September 17^th, there is no time to waste. For more information, visit Sparkpgh.org.

News

900 Schools Expected to join the Race to the Top

Nearly 900 schools across the country are expected to apply for the Government’s Race to the Top funding initiative. The U.S. Department of Education will distribute $400 million in grants for schools that help close achievement gaps and prepare students for college and career life. Read more about the Race to the Top and the expected applicants here.

Education Demands Attention in Democratic National Convention

President Obama used his opinions and plans on education as a powerful weapon in the Democratic National Convention this past week. He makes a call for top-notch educators who have the ability to spark interest in learning within their students. He vows that “…no child should have her dreams deferred because of a crowded classroom or a crumbling school”. To hear more about what Obama said on education during his speech, read the entire transcript.

Upcoming Events

TONIGHT, September 7: Spark Meet Up at The Warhol

K+C Network Members will be gathering tonight at The Andy Warhol Museum to round off the summer season with a fun evening of silkscreening and refreshments. If you were unable to reserve one of the limited spots, you can catch a recap of the event next week! Check Sparkpgh.org often for upcoming Meet Up opportunities.

Monday, September 10: Constructing Identity: Makeup and Hair

During this workshop, participants will experiment with wigs and hair styles to accompany their costumes. Teens will also have access to a theater grade makeup kit to explore color, line, and expressive makeup and hair! Registration information is available here.

Tuesday, September 11: Webmaking Workshop: X-Ray Goggles @ CLP Hazelwood

Head over to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hazelwood after school on September 11^th for a webmaking workshop using the Mozilla tool X-Ray Goggles. Teens can learn webmaking skills to later show off at a Hack Jam! Check here for more information.

Thursday, September 13: Webmaking Workshop: iHeartCode @ Assemble

Join Nina Barbuto at Assemble for a workshop full of fun as teens get into hacking and coding. This workshop allows young developers to enhance their skills and explore their coding interests. You can find more information about this after school workshop here.

Saturday, September 15: SparkTruck Visits The Children’s Museum

The SparkTruck, a cross-country touring truck of toys and tools, will be stopping in Pittsburgh from September 11^th through September 15^th. On the 15^th, the truck will be at The Children’s Museum from 11am until 5pm. There will be a demonstration of all the tools and tricks in the truck, followed by a hands-on workshop. Registration is required for the workshop.

Saturday, September 15: Webmaking Workshop: X-Ray Goggles @ CLP West End

If you didn’t make it to the workshop at CLP Hazelwood, here is your second chance! Head over to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in the West End to remix the afternoon away using Mozilla’s X-Ray Goggles tool. You can find more information here.

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