Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Why We Exist

The link below is a great resource for more information on the genesis of the TEAMS concept.
Career Voyages In Demand Magazine:
This issue highlights careers in Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM).
http://www.careervoyages.gov/pdf/indemandmagazine-stem.pdf

21st CCLC Summer Institute

Below is a synopsis of a recent conference hosted by one of our major funders.

The 21st CCLC program represents more than 1 billion dollars of federal investment in academic enrichment for children, particularly those students that attend high-poverty, low-performing schools. The 2009 Summer Institute met its primary objective to provide its participants with a professional development opportunity that will assist them in the design and implementation of high-quality afterschool programs for America's children.
Sylvia E. Lyles, Ph.D
Program Director
Academic Improvement Programs Group.


The Summer Institute kicked off with an all-day Management Preconference Session for State Coordinators and 21st CCLC Program Directors. Day two included a panel discussion and community forum where infusing service learning activities in 21st CCLC programs was discussed. During the general session, Elizabeth Warner, Chair, IES, U.S. Department of Education, Robert Granger, President of the William T. Grant Foundation, Fred Doolittle, Vice President of MDRC and Robert Stonehill, Chief Program Officer at Learning Point Associates, spoke to a crowd of over 2200 afterschool professionals on Expanded Program Knowledge through Research. Afterwards, Black Violin and ReadNex Poetry Squad, reminded us of the 21st CCLC mission through the power of the spoken word and music.

The day culminated with a wonderful networking reception, emceed by Felicia Watson, Director of the NY 21st CCLC Statewide TAC where seven 2009 Afterschool Student Ambassadors were named. Coordinator and organizer of the student ambassador piece, Monique McDowell of the Bronx, NY, worked with the Department of Education, students and their families for weeks leading up to the Summer Institute. The Department of Education will track the students for 1 year and will solicit their ideas and feedback on improvements to the program. The student ambassadors represented California, Kansas, Montana, New York, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Texas. Congratulations!

Day three began with a discussion on inclusion: "Where Everyone Belongs". Experts, such as Keith Jones, President of SoulTouchin' Experience in Somerville, MA; Viviana Hernandez, Program Specialist at Primetime Program in San Diego, CA; and, Mary Shea, Project Consultant with Kids Included Together in San Diego, CA. stressed the importance on including ALL children in afterschool. Establishing and Sustaining Effective Partnerships with the Community and Public Sector was the topic of a panel headed by Lisa K. Proctor of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund in Plano, Texas.The Summer Institute culminated with a panel discussion on The Future of Early Childhood Education with experts from the Department of Education of Washington, DC; Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN; the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta in Atlanta, GA; Topeka Public Schools of Topeka, KS; and, The Center for Teacher Education at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE.

According to Sylvia E. Lyles, all conference/presentation materials were very intentional to show where the Department of Education is heading. Service learning, research, inclusion, partnerships/collaboration and early childhood were the salient topics throughout the conference.

July Program Progress

Greetings Friends of the TEAMS Institute. Listed below is a summary of finance, recruitment, program, public relations, and logistic activities that have recently occurred on the project.

a. conducted memorial service for longtime supporter
b. review hotel proposals for conference
c. attended 3 ONE Group training sessions
d. compiled and distributed meeting minutes
e. provided updates via phone to board members
f. attended 21st Century Community Learning Center conference
g. received grant award from the Department of Education
h. compiled 567 volunteer hours for May and June

In Memoriam: Nathaniel Turhan Williams

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear brother and avid program supporter Nathaniel Turhan Williams.  Nathaniel Turhan Williams joined the circle of the ancestors on June 10, 2009 after a brief illness at the age of 52. Memorial services were held on June 16 in Nashville, Tennessee and June 17 in Bethel Springs, Tennessee.

Nathaniel Turhan Williams affectionately known as “Nate” and “Tyrone” by his friends, was a gifted man of the spirit who was a carpenter, certified welder, visual artist, vocalist, athlete, and lover of people. He was fun-loving, compassionate, courteous, and made friends easily. He never met a stranger and was a loving son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and cousin.

His legacy of care, concern, and compassion for his fellow human beings will be continued in the efforts of the TEAMS Institute. Send your memorial donations to NAPAS at Youthbuild TEAMS Institute, 135 Bells Store Road, McKenzie, TN 38201.