DEARBORN, Mich., April 9, 2008 – Fifteen educators from across the United States have won awards sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation and 3M. The 2008 Building the Future Awards recognize educators for their outstanding efforts in inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The winners (listed below) all have worked with curriculum developed by Project Lead the Way, a nonprofit organization that promotes engineering courses for middle and high school students.
These educators have helped young people become exposed to engineering and manufacturing through hands-on activities, field trips and group projects.In addition to the Building the Future Award, the SME Education Foundation will present the Outstanding Partner Award to Kathy Sommers. Sommers is the assistant director for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Ohio Department of Education. At this event she will be acknowledged for her significant work moving the Project Lead the Way program forward in Ohio and setting an example for expansion nationwide. “We believe that it is important to recognize the valuable work these educators are doing.
By educating today’s youth they are truly ‘Building the Future’ for tomorrow’s leaders and a vibrant workforce,” said Bart Aslin, executive director of the SME Education Foundation. “Our children need role models like these adults who are dedicated to showing youth the rewards of technology and science.”Nominees were judged on: extraordinary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom; an engaging presence that inspires and motivates students; and exceptional instructional practices that have increased student learning.By honoring outstanding educators, the Building the Future Awards program strives to attract, motivate and reward the achievements of talented educators.
Winners will receive $1,000, and 3M will donate a 3M Digital Media Systems projector and a 65-inch 3M Digital Board for each instructor’s classroom.The Building the Future Awards will be presented during an April 11 ceremony at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minn.
The winners are:
CaliforniaKathy Schulze – Patrick Henry High School, San Diego Unified School DistrictColoradoBryce McLean – Coronado High School, Colorado Springs District 11IllinoisKevin Emmons – Morton High School, Morton Community Unit District # 709 MichiganMaryann Cromwell – Jefferson Middle School, Pontiac School DistrictMinnesotaWendie Palazzo – CTE Director, Minneapolis Public SchoolsMissouriDavid Hosick – Freshman Center, Blue Springs R-IV School DistrictMissouri-HazelwoodJay Boleach – Hazelwood West High School, Hazelwood School DistrictMissouriMark Sharp – Oak Park High School, North Kansas City Schools MissouriKathryn (Katy) Rabolt – Grandview Middle School, Consolidated School District No. 4MissouriGreg Thiel – Lee’s Summit High School, Lee’s Summit R-7 School DistrictOhioTad Douce – River Valley Middle School, River Valley Local School DistrictPennsylvaniaJosh Cramer – South Park Middle School, South Park School DistrictTexasJana Schmidt – Lake Travis High School, Lake Travis Independent School DistrictTexasScott Berry – Lake Travis High School, Lake Travis Independent School DistrictWisconsinUlices Sepulveda – Riverside University High School, Milwaukee Public Schools
Outstanding Partner Award
Kathy Sommers – Ohio Department of EducationAssistant Director for Career, Technical, and Adult Education
About SME Education Foundation
The SME Education Foundation is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing manufacturing education through college and university grants, scholarships, fellowships, and student-outreach programs. Since 1980, the Foundation has invested more than $24 million in grants, scholarships and awards – more money than any other professional society.
About 3M
3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, healthcare, safety and other markets. Headquartered in St.
Paul, Minn., the company has operations in nearly 200 countries. 3M Community Giving consists of product donations and cash grants by 3M and the 3M Foundation and bolstered by employee and retiree volunteerism. In 2007, over $46 million was awarded to education and charitable organizations.
About PLTW
Project Lead the Way forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers entering the workforce. It seeks to create dynamic partnerships with our nation’s schools to prepare an increasing and more diverse group of students to be successful in engineering and engineering technology programs.