Category Archives: education

The 2012 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Gives Students From Historically Black Colleges and Universities the Chance to Win Grants for Their Schools

30 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by in college, contest, education

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What could be better than the thrill of competition? How about winning much-needed grants for your college or university? That is exactly what students from 48 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be doing this spring! All across the nation, teams from HBCUs are making final preparations to vie for academic glory at the nation’s only HBCU academic competition: The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC).

HCASC supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities through a friendly academic competition, taking place over two exciting days. This event, which will take place April 1-2, is one of Honda’s major philanthropic initiatives supporting education, and helps young people pursue their dreams!

What is the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge? HCASC is one of Honda’s largest and longest running philanthropic initiatives in the United States. Since 1989, Honda has awarded more than $6 million dollars in grants to the participating HBCUs. The 23rd annual HCASC will take place in Los Angeles, CA from March 30 – April 3, 2012, with April 1-2 dedicated to the competition. This year’s “Great 48” includes HBCUs from all over the country. The final two teams will compete for the National Champion title and the grand prize of $50,000 for the winning team to bring back to their school!

How can you get involved?

  • Support these bright young minds by sharing information about the 23rd annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge with your family, friends, and Twitter followers!
  • Do you think you could win the big prize? Test your own knowledge by playing the HCASC online game. Encourage your friends and family to play along as well, by following the below URL: http://www.hcasc.com/onlinegames/gamelogin.asp
  • “Like” the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

For more information about the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge please visit www.hcasc.com.

Fight Malaria and Get Activated with Code Purple

23 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Campaigns, education, family, Health

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Fact: There are more than 225 million cases of Malaria reported each year worldwide.  This life-threatening disease is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through bites of infected mosquitoes, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  ING Activewear created MOSKEETO ARMOR™, a fabric that is mosquito repellent and certified for up to 50 washes! ING Activewear and Touch the World have teamed up with fashion designers Guy Wood of 5001 FLAVORS, Lawrence Pizzi, and D. Barak Stribling to launch this product internationally through the Code Purple Event. This life changing technology has initiated an international campaign against Malaria and is centered on MOSKEETO ARMOR™. MOSKEETO ARMOR™ holds the potential to save millions of lives across the world. Thanks to Touch The World (TTW), ING Activewear has been able to help distribute the MOSKEETO ARMOR™ to those in need in Africa.

February 16th marks the launch of the Code Purple Event during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The event will spread awareness and raise funds to distribute this product to every soul living in an environment where Malaria is a risk factor. The fundraising event will feature unique collections from the aforementioned designers, as well as special musical guest performances, a live auction, raffles, and giveaways.

Check out this video to learn more:

How can you get activated?

  • Win a Ticket to The Code Purple Event:  If you are in the NYC area, head on down to Mood Fabrics starting on January 16th, located at 225 West 37th Street New York, NY, and take a picture with your Mood bag. BE OUR STAR and STEP in front of the Code Purple Event Step-and-Repeat.  Then log onto Code Purple’s Facebook Page, post your picture to the Wall, and immediately tell us why you are inspired by this campaign and should be at the event on February 16th in NYC! Winner must provide their own transportation to and from the event.
  • Wear Your Support: If you can’t make it to the event, you can show support by picking up your hoodie at www.INGactivewear.com or make a donation at www.codepurpleevent.com.  For every hoodie purchased through ING Activewear’s website, ING Activewear will contribute by donating another hoodie to be sent to Africa to better someone’s life.

Join Code Purple Event in their mission of Covering, Protecting, and Saving Lives. Get ACTIVATED today!

There’s still time to enter Bridgestone’s Road Show Rally!

04 Tuesday Oct 2011

Posted by in Campaigns, contest, education, family, parents, safety, teens

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As Bridgestone Americas’ Teens Drive Smart Road Show Rally, a high school grant contest promoting safe driving, comes to a close this week, there is still time for all interested teens to get their video submissions in for a chance to win a $5,000 donation to their school!

Any individual or group of teens interested in participating in this contest are to create a 30-second to two-minute video describing the following:

  • What they have done in their community to spread the safe driving message;
  • What they would like to do in the future to alert others about the dangers of driving distracted;
  • And why a road show rally should come to their school.

Entrants will be judged by three criteria: Creativity, Need, and Story and are to submit their videos by this Friday, October 7th. The grand prize winning school will receive the Road Show Rally and $5,000 donation!

More information can be found by visiting www.teensdrivesmart.com/road-show-rally-tour.html. Be sure to also check out Teens Drive Smart on Facebook and Twitter!

National Safe Boating Council Launches New Awareness Video to Encourage Safe and Responsible Boating

13 Tuesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Campaigns, education, environment, family, outdoor enthusiasts, parents, safety, Travel

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Did you know that according to the U.S. Coast Guard, of those who died in boating accidents in 2010, almost three-fourths of all accident victims drowned — and more than 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket? Most boaters know to have a life jacket on board for every passenger on their vessel. But having them on board and wearing them could mean the difference between a great day on the water and a potential tragedy. That’s why the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is encouraging the public to join the ‘Wear It!’campaign, a fun way to remind family and friends about the importance of boating safety, education, and to help save lives!

To further encourage safe and responsible boating, the NSBC and their partner organizations recently launched a new awareness video urging the public to be alert and aware while on the water, and always wear a life jacket. This special message can be viewed by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hve8Mu5a_cw.

For those interested in this important awareness campaign, below are a few of the many ways to get involved:

  • Share the informative Awareness Video with your family, and remind them that there’s no excuse not to ‘Wear It!’
  • Enter the Safe Summer Campaign Contest by submitting a safe boating story. The contest has been extended until September 30, 2011! The grand prize winner will receive a Summer Fun package, which includes a life jacket, beach towel and Flip Mino HD camcorder!
  • Check out Boating Safety “Sidekicks”, a safe boating kidsite, where children can learn about the importance of wearing a life jacket early on with coloring pages, games, quizzes and more!

To learn more, visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com, and follow the NSBC on Facebook and Twitter!

Help Bridgestone Rally Teens Against Distracted Driving Through High School Grant Contest

08 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by in contest, education, family, parents, safety, teens

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Did you know teens are 50 percent less likely to speed, 71 percent less likely to drive after drinking and 29 percent less likely to use their cell phones while on the road if they have parents who actively talk to them about the associated dangers? That’s why Bridgestone Americas wants to inform you of their Teens Drive Smart Road Show Rally 2011 Tour, a high school grant contest promoting safe driving and the importance of learning these behaviors before a driver sits behind the wheel.

So as your teens head back to school this fall ask, “Are you ready to rally?” Any individual or group of teens interested in participating in this contest will create a 30-second to two-minute video describing the following:

  • What they have done in their community to spread the safe driving message;
  • What they would like to do in the future to alert others about the dangers of driving distracted;
  • And why a road show rally should come to their school.

Entrants will be judged by three criteria: Creativity, Need, and Story and are to submit their videos by October 7th. The grand prize winning school will receive the Road Show Rally and a $5,000 donation!

More information can be found by visiting http://www.teensdrivesmart.com/road-show-rally-tour.html. And while you’re there, be sure to check out Teens Drive Smart on Facebook and Twitter!

The National Weather Service Invites You to Help Stress the Importance of Lightning Safety Awareness

19 Tuesday Jul 2011

Posted by in education, environment, family, Health, men's interest, outdoor enthusiasts, safety, sports enthusiasts

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Summer is time for backyard barbeques, trips to the beach and lots of outdoor fun, but it’s also a time when the atmosphere heats up and dangerous thunderstorms become more frequent. Did you know lightning is the third highest storm-related killer, following floods and tornadoes? That’s why the National Weather Service (NWS) and its lightning safety partners are working to stress the importance of reminding your family that, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!“

This year, the NWS unveiled a new community-based volunteer preparedness program to increase awareness about the danger of lightning at outdoor recreation venues, like parks, concert arenas, and golf courses as well as open water locations such as swimming pools and beaches. The agency created lightning safety awareness signs that local communities can install at these public places to encourage people to go indoors when they hear thunder! Because almost all lightning injuries and deaths can be prevented, such education and awareness is crucial.

Interested in getting involved with this important awareness campaign? Here’s how you can help:

  • Watch this very special Public Service Announcement, where Ellen Bryan, winner of the 2011 Miss Ohio title, tells the story of why she supports this campaign and safety initiative, and share it with your family and friends. Ellen has been affected personally by a lightning-related injury, as her sister was struck while working on a golf course and was severely injured and ultimately paralyzed.
  • Stop by the NWS website and pick up an interactive safety awareness widget, the special online version of the traditional safety awareness sign! Readers can easily insert the widget onto their social media networks by grabbing the code on the website.
  • Share NWS recommendations with your family and friends for quick and easy safety tips! A few examples include:
  1. Get into a substantial building or hardtop vehicle at the first rumble of thunder;
  2. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunder clap;
  3. Keep away from plumbing, electrical equipment and wiring during a thunderstorm.

To learn more, visit www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov and be sure to check out the NWS on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels!

EF Foundation for Foreign Study, the Nonprofit Leader in High School Exchange, Launches Campaign to Promote Global Awareness Through Hosting Opportunities

29 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by in education, family, kids, teens, tweens, volunteer

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Did you know that American families can play an important role in public diplomacy? Each year, the United States Department of State relies on Americans to serve as host families to international exchange students. As “citizen ambassadors,” these families help foster positive impressions of the United States, a priority foreign policy goal for our country, and expose our own communities to new customs and cultures. EF Foundation for Foreign Study, which brings more exchange students to the U.S. than any other organization, is currently accepting host family applications for the 2011-12 school year. Students come from 25 countries around the world, including China, Germany, Italy, Norway and Australia, and all bring a curiosity and enthusiasm for experiencing the “real” America.

Each fall, nearly 30,000 high school exchange students come to the United States to live as an American teen. According to Homa Tavangar, author of Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be At Home in the World, encouraging cross-cultural connections should be more than just a foreign policy goal; it should be a parenting goal too. “I’ve spent my career helping businesses and governments succeed globally. If our children are to successfully compete and collaborate with their international peers, global know-how and experiences need to be part of their education, as well as building friendships with people from other countries — this has the power to shape character and open minds. From my personal experience, being a host mom to an exchange student, I’ve seen first-hand how vital those international friendships can be toward building a global mindset.”

What makes a great host family? Host families come in all shapes and sizes. Volunteer families truly represent the diversity of American culture. Yet, despite a wide range of social, religious and ethnic backgrounds, families have one thing in common: a strong curiosity about the world.

What are the requirements of a host family? To become a host, at least one adult in the household must be a minimum of 25 years old. And all potential host families are legally required to submit to a background check.

What are the responsibilities of a host family? Hosts must be able to provide a safe and supportive home environment and be willing to play the important role of American mother or father. Hosts are expected to treat a student as a member of the family, not as a guest, and share everyday experiences and events, such as birthday parties, holiday traditions, evening meals, sporting events, movies and even household chores.

How are students matched with host families? Experienced exchange coordinators help families find students who share similar values and interests. Host families can make their choice based on the student’s age, home country, gender and hobbies.

To hear firsthand how this program is changing lives, please watch and share this Public Service Announcement: http://www.westglen.com/online/america_ef.html.

For more information about becoming a host family for the upcoming 2011-12 school year, please visit EF Foundation for Foreign Study today at www.effoundation.org

Bridgestone Uses the Safety Scholar Video Program to Encourage Responsible Teen Driving

16 Thursday Jun 2011

Posted by in education, family, parents, teens

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Safety on the roads is everyone’s responsibility, and wouldn’t you agree it’s ours to enable teens to educate one another on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving? That’s why Bridgestone Americas, who has been engaged as a company in teen driver safety issues for almost a decade, has created a really exciting program- the Safety Scholars Video Contest to encourage teens to make a difference!

It is so important for teens these days to feel empowered, and we can help by encouraging them and their peers to avoid distracted and other dangerous driving behaviors.  This contest is a great way for teens to be positive role models, share positive messages with their friends and compete for some great prizes at the same time.

The Safety Scholars Video Contest is accepting submissions until June 24, and the first place prize is a $10,000 scholarship! Any teen in the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) between the ages of 16 and 21 can enter by creating a 25 or 55-second video about any issue in teen driver safety, and uploading it to www.safetyscholars.com. The top 10 finalists will be posted online, and the videos with the most votes will win prizes. The winning videos will also be turned into public service announcements; the winning 2010 entries have already been aired 20,000 times, so teens and their families across the country are seeing these possibly-life saving messages.

We encourage you to help spread the word about this contest and the importance of safe driving habits! More information can be found by visiting: www.safetyscholarsvideo.com

Pottery Barn Kids and National Geographic Invite You to Celebrate World Oceans Day

06 Monday Jun 2011

Posted by in education, environment, family, kids, parents

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Kids can make a big difference in the future of our planet. Small actions they take today can make a huge impact on the future health and sustainability of our world’s oceans. That’s why Pottery Barn Kids and National Geographic are teaming up for World Oceans Day to teach kids and parents about the importance of the ocean and the reasons why we need to help preserve it for future generations.

On Wednesday, June 8th from 3pm to 4pm Pottery Barn Kids and National Geographic will celebrate World Oceans Day in all 84 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Renowned National Geographic Explorers will make special appearances at three select locations (Palo Alto, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and McLean, VA) to talk about their experiences in the field and show how kids can help with ocean and sea life preservation. The event will be part of Pottery Barn Kids “Little Explorers Club,” a series of in-store events that brings the science museum experience to their stores, with material from National Geographic. Can’t make it Wednesday? Join Pottery Barn Kids for another World Oceans Day event on Saturday, June 11th at 10am.

Here’s how to get involved:

  • Attend the World Oceans Day celebration at your local Pottery Barn Kids store. Event activities will include songs, trivia contests, face painting, hands-on crafts and activities themed to ocean conservation. For store locations visit Pottery Barn Kids.
  • Visit Pottery Barn Kids for fun facts on the ocean, exclusive videos, online games, downloads and more.
  • Enter for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for four to the Galapagos Islands!

You don’t have to be a scientist to protect the ocean. You don’t even have to be an adult. Kids can make a big difference by learning more about the ocean and finding programs in their local communities that help solve the problem.

Make the First Five Count for your Child or Loved One!

24 Tuesday May 2011

Posted by in autism, education, family, Health, kids, parents, special needs, women's interest

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All parents know how important the first five years of a child’s life are. They’re incredible years of learning that shape children’s futures. Yet, every year 1.45 million children, all under the age of five, enter school with learning and health issues that put them far behind their peers and have a lasting, negative effect on their ability to meet their full potential.

As the leading provider of autism and early intervention services, Easter Seals know what’s possible when kids get the support they need – and also what happens when they don’t. Because of this, Easter Seals has created a new program called Make the First Five Count which encourages parents to be more aware of the social and developmental milestones their children should be reaching during the first five years of life. Some of these developmental milestones include:

Cognitive: Thinking skills: including learning, understanding, problem solving, reasoning, and remembering.

Social/Emotional: Interacting with others; having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating, and responding to the feelings of others.

If a child misses a milestone, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, notify your doctor — it might indicate a problem. The most important thing for parents is to follow their instincts and share their concerns with their pediatrician. Recognizing a problem in developmental milestones is the very first step to ensuring your child gets the services he or she needs early – at the time they can benefit the most. When kids get the right treatment and therapy early in life, they’re ready to learn alongside their peers and build lifelong skills. Known as early intervention services, these therapies work to strengthen a child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual abilities well before kindergarten.

To show you how early intervention changes lives please check out Kyle’s story in the link below. Kyle is a first grader who was diagnosed with a form of autism at age 2; thanks to early intervention services through Easter Seals Kyle’s teachers say he may be able to live independently someday. You can view Kyle’s story by visiting the link below: http://www.westglen.com/online/makethefirstfivecount.html.

Learn more about the Make the First Five Count program by visiting www.makethefirstfivecount.org. Parents can also check out CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can Program which has assured the delivery of Easter Seals services to the lives of nearly 100,000 children with disabilities served by Easter Seals nationwide.

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