TSCPL | Guides (all)

Here’s in intel on Intel’s Schools of Distinction

2008-11-19T23:12:23-06:00

Are you a "School of Distinction?" Have you given your students the tools they need to succeed? Intel, the computer chip giant, has created a program to award schools that have proven academic success.

Jeff Imparato, Nonprofit Funding Center Supervisor

http://www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/application.htm

"This awards program is open to K-12 public, private, charter, parochial schools in the United States, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. Home schools are not eligible.

Eligibility is limited to accredited schools that are publicly funded and/or not-for-profit. If you meet those qualifications, the fact that you are a virtual school does not exclude you, though the judging does look at the strength of the school community and partnerships, which may present a challenge for you depending on the relationship you undertake with your constituents. "

Intel believes all students, everywhere, deserve to have the tools they need to become the next generation of innovators - and that good schools and good teachers are the foundation of student excellence.

Intel Schools of Distinction exemplify this excellence.

Every year, Intel honors U.S. schools that have demonstrated excellence in math and science education as Intel Schools of Distinction. Eighteen schools – three elementary, three middle and three high schools in each of two categories – math and science – will be selected as Finalists, receiving a cash grant for $2,500 from the Intel Foundation. Six winners - one elementary, one middle and one high school in each of the two categories receive $10,000 cash grants and more than $100,000 in products and services from sponsors.

One of the six winning schools is chosen as the Star Innovator, and receives an additional $15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation as well as additional products and services.

In order to be considered as an Intel School of Distinction, schools must develop an environment and curricula that meet or exceed benchmarks, including national mathematics and science content standards.

Winning programs serve as models for schools across the country. By replicating proven programs such as these, schools everywhere can reinvigorate their own science and mathematics programs, inspiring generations of future scientists and mathematicians.

Deadline is February 19, 2009.

Winter Wonderland 2008

2008-11-19T12:49:03-06:00

The eleventh annual Winter Wonderland a Celebration of Lights begins at Lake Shawnee Friday November 21st with a lighting ceremony at 6pm. This community event benefits the TARC Inc. of Topeka. You can take a carload through the 2 mile holiday lights display through December 31st. Take a look at the Winter Wonderland site for prices, times, and special events including a chili feed at Reynolds Lodge December 3rd.

In the Holiday mood? Check it out!

Photo credit

Do Something - Awards for Young Community Volunteers

2008-11-18T20:40:33-06:00

From the Philanthropy News Digest

Do you a young person (25 or younger) who has made a substantial positive difference in our community? Nominate him/her for a Do Something Award.

Jeff Imparato, Funding Center Supervisor

Young Community Volunteers Invited to Apply for Do Something Awards

The Do Something Awards, formerly the Brick Awards, are designed to provide recognition and funding for young community volunteers.

Do Something Award Winners receive a community grant, participation in a special award ceremony, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something.

In the 2009 program, five winners will receive a minimum of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships. (Only winners who are age 18 and under are eligible for a scholarship of $5,000 and a $5,000 community grant; winners age 19-25 receive their entire award in the form of a community grant.) Of the five winners, one will be selected as the grand prize winner, and will receive a total of $100,000 in community grants, paid directly to the nonprofit of his or her choice.

Do Something Award applications go through two stages. First, the Do Something Award Academy (comprised of former winners) reads through all of the applications and selects the finalists.

Finalists are flown to New York City for interviews with representatives from the Do Something Award Selection Committee.

The five Do Something Award winners are announced shortly thereafter in Spring 2009. The grand prize winner will be announced in Summer 2009.

Visit the Do Something Web site for complete program guidelines.

Posted on November 17, 2008
Deadline: March 1, 2009

Contact:
http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards

Clicking the Sticks-Elizabeth Zimmermann

2008-11-18T18:10:40-06:00

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Zimmerman for many years. Who is Elizabeth Zimmermann? If you are a knitter, you have probably heard of the Baby Surprise Jacket. Elizabeth Zimmermann wrote that pattern and many others. It has been 50 years since Elizabeth Zimmerman burst on the knitting scene. Probably her most famous pattern is The Baby Surprise Jacket. This pattern looks like a funny rectangle when you are finished. However, with one fold, it becomes a jacket with minimal sewing. However, right now I am making the Best Baby Sweater that is in the book, Vogue Knitting American Collection. It is another one of those kind of sweaters that is disconcerting to knit. It doesn't look like much. However, like the Baby Surprise Jacket it just magically becomes a baby sweater.

Elizabeth Zimmermann has many other patterns and if you are interested in those patterns, be sure and check out the knitting section of the library. We also have a DVD that is available that explains many of the Elizabeth Zimmermann techniques. If you would like more information about Elizabeth Zimmermann come in and read the Fall 2008 Vogue Knitting Magazine. I do hope you try one of her patterns and if you do, let me know.

10 Dates for Under $20.00

2008-11-14T14:41:16-06:00

The Topeka Capital-Journal has recognized the Library as a fun place to visit, and to bring a Date for under $20.00 (since it's already paid for, you can save money for dinner afterwards, at our Millenium café.)

Click on http://www.tscpl.org/info/section/cafe_menu/ for hours of operation and the weekly menu.

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/111408/loc_355861062.shtml

"TSCPL
The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is for way more than just browsing books. Its day and evening programming can make for a great date, such as the upcoming all-ages game day, classic and international film series or the popular trivia night. And the best part is almost all of their programs are free. Visit tscpl.org for a calendar of events.

Cost: Most events are free"

Thanks, Topeka Capital-Journal, for your acknowledgment.

The Staff of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Hispanic Scholarship Programs

2008-11-13T20:12:08-06:00

Hispanic Students,

Here is an opportunity to apply for scholarships from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Scholarships are available for high school and college students.

Jeff Imparato, Funding Center Supervisor

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Please select your current class level to view scholarship opportunities.

COLLEGE STUDENTS (Click here)

Be a community college, undergraduate or graduate student
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Have plans to enroll FULL-TIME in a degree seeking program at a two or four year U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam in the upcoming academic year.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER STUDENTS (Click here)

Be enrolled PART-TIME or FULL-TIME at a community college
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Have plans to transfer and enroll FULL-TIME in a degree-seeking program at a four-year U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam in Fall 2008.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (Click here)

Be a graduating high school senior
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Have plans to enroll FULL-TIME in a degree seeking program at a two or four year U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam in the upcoming academic year.

GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARS (GMS) (Click here)

Be a graduating high school senior
Be enrolling for the first time at a college or university as a FULL-TIME degree-seeking freshman in the fall.
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Demonstrate leadership skills, and significant financial need (Pell Grant eligible)

Contacts: http://www.hsf.net/Scholarships.aspx for general scholarships and http://www.hsf.net/marathon.aspx?terms=marathon for the Marathon scholarship.

Deadline is February 18, 2009 for most scholarships. The HSF/Marathon Scholarship's deadline is November 21, 2008

2008 - 2009 The National Co-op Scholarship Program

2008-11-12T23:13:56-06:00

High school seniors and college transfer students,

Are you interested in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET)? Consider applying for this merit scholarship program which will help with tuition to ten schools and universities.

Jeff Imparato, Funding Center Supervisor

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

The National Commission for Cooperative Education, on behalf of ten NCCE Partner Colleges and Universities, is pleased to announce and sponsor its SEVENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL CO-OP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. As the largest independently sponsored merit co-op scholarship program in the United States, the National Commission will award two hundred merit scholarships of $6,000 each, for a total renewable value of $5,000,000. These merit co-op scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors and college transfer students who plan to participate in college cooperative education at one of the following NCCE Partner Colleges and Universities.

The NCCE partners include: Drexel University; Johnson & Wales University; Kettering University; C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University; Northeastern University; Pace University; Rochester Institute of Technology; University of Cincinnati; University of Toledo; and Wentworth Institute of Technology.

QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for this scholarship, students must:

Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Complete all the required admissions applications material and be accepted for the 2009-2010 academic year at one of the National Commission Partner Institutions listed.

You can complete the application online by visiting http://www.co-op.edu/scholarships.htm. You will need to include a one-page essay (500 words or less) describing why you have chosen to pursue a college cooperative education program.

Apply by February 15, 2009, although early applications are highly encouraged.

Ice Skate This Winter

2008-11-12T15:58:50-06:00

Have some cool fun indoors this winter at the Kansas Expocentre. Ice skating is available and open to the public this weekend November 14, 15, and 16. The entry price is $5.00 and skate rental is $2.00 the ticket window will be open 30 minutes early. Ice skating is on-going with times open almost every weekend in November and December. Check out all of the dates and times here.

Wanna know more about ice skating? Check it out.

Photo credit

Running Free

2008-11-12T15:29:27-06:00

Congratulations to volunteer, Suzanne MacDonald, and the inmates at the Women's Correctional Facility for their commitment to running as a way of improving their own lives and contributing to the community. The "Running Free" program allows the inmates to improve their own physical and emotional health. It has also given the women a mission. They have raised over $5,000 for local charities by sponsoring races. Talk show host, entertainer and author, Jenny Jones, was so impressed she has donated the money for a new track on the facility grounds through the Jenny’s Heroes philanthropic foundation. In addition, $5,000 worth of running shoes and socks will replace their donated used footwear.

Participation in the club is excellent preparation for returning to lives as responsible citizens. Through running, inmates learn that they have the power to change their lives in positive ways. A regular running regimen promotes a feeling of empowerment and freedom while building confidence and positive self-image. Running has been used for years to effectively treat clinical depression and addictions. Running can help train the mind as much as the body. Problems come into focus with new clarity and solutions are revealed with each rhythmic stride.

The chemicals called endorphins that are triggered by aerobic exercise relieve pain, reduce stress, boost the immune system and postpone the aging process. Regular aerobic exercise contributes to a positive attitude. Exercisers are just happier people who are more in touch with their bodies and complain less about minor medical ailments. A healthy body is a healthy mind.

What an inspirational example these ladies are setting by making healthy choices and wisely investing their time and energies. We applaud them and look forward to the time when they will reassimilate into the free society as women with strong characters. So lace 'em up and log those laps. Now that's a sentence we might all choose to serve!

I’ll Grant You That - 11-10-2008

2008-11-10T19:59:55-06:00

Although our economy is troubled, there are still grantmakers who are trying to make our world a better place. Below I've listed a several current ones.

Jeff Imparato, Funding Center Supervisor

From Philanthropy News Digest http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/

Horace Mann Companies Offers College Course Scholarships for K-12 Educators

The Horace Mann Companies are offering $30,000 in total scholarships for public and private school K-12 educators to take college courses.

One recipient will receive $5,000 in scholarship funds payable over four years, while fifteen other recipients will receive $1,000 each in scholarship funds payable over two years. Twenty additional recipients will each receive one-time awards of $500. Awards will be announced in May 2009.

Scholarship money will be paid directly to each recipient's college or university for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

To be eligible, applicants must be a K-12 educator currently employed by a U.S. public or private school and planning to enter a two- or four-year accredited college or university. The college must be a public or private, not-for-profit institute. Applicants must have at least two or more years of teaching experience.

Scholarship applicants will be judged on a written essay and school and community activities. Financial need is not a consideration, but applicants who have all educational expenses paid through other scholarships and/or grants are ineligible. The program is not open to residents of Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York.

Visit the Horace Mann Companies Web site for complete program information.

Posted on November 4, 2008
Deadline: March 12, 2009

Contact:

https://www.horacemann.com/resources/scholarships/default.aspx