Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: CNSE & NYSSBA Partner to Launch 'Be the Change for Kids Innovation Awards'

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Abstract:
Innovative local school programs that help students gain important 21st century learning and career skills in emerging fields such as nanotechnology will be rewarded under a new partnership between the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany.

CNSE & NYSSBA Partner to Launch 'Be the Change for Kids Innovation Awards'

Albany, NY | Posted on April 23rd, 2012

"In line with Governor Andrew Cuomo's advocacy for the future of our children in further developing the UAlbany NanoCollege as an international nanotechnology powerhouse, this collaboration will help enable our schools to be active partners in building our future high-tech workforce," said CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. "CNSE is delighted to join with the New York State School Boards Association on an initiative that will ultimately encourage students to pursue educational and career paths in the fast-growing field of nanotechnology, giving New York an important competitive advantage in the global economy."

"Our Be the Change for Kids initiative was developed to encourage local school leaders to consider ways to optimize their resources and embrace new methods of teaching and learning," said NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer. "This forward-thinking partnership with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering allows us to highlight local programs that are setting the stage for our children's future successes in college, career and their communities."

NYSSBA and CNSE have teamed up to launch the "Be the Change for Kids Innovation Awards" to help 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 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.

The criteria for the awards will help highlight exciting educational and career training programs. Particularly, the districts 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 15, 2012. The nominations will be reviewed by a statewide panel of judges, with the winners to be announced in September.

"This award supports the calls for educational innovation," Kremer said. "Our students must be prepared to keep our nation competitive in a global economy. A solid educational foundation leads to success for today's students - tomorrow's leaders."

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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 2,700 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Novellus Systems. 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. CNSE’s Smart Systems 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. For information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu.

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.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Steve Janack, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, CNSE
(518) 956-7322 |
David Albert, Director of Communications and Research, NYSSBA
(518) 783-3716 |

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