The National Science Teachers Association DCAT Making a Difference Award recognizes and honors excellence in a science program developed and implemented by middle- or high school-level science teachers, grades 6-12. Entries must show innovative and effective teaching strategies combined with a science program that has influenced students to explore and investigate science and its application to global problems. Maximum award: $2,500 to be used to enhance or expand the winning science program; the winning school’s lead science teacher and principal will be awarded coach airfare and two nights’ hotel accommodation to attend NSTA’s National Conference. Eligibility: innovative middle- or high school-level science programs. Deadline: November 30, 2011.

http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/DCAT.pdf

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Using Mathematics to Teach Music grant encourages the incorporation of music into the elementary school classroom to help young students learn mathematics. Any acquisition of equipment must support the proposed plan but not be the primary focus of the grant. Proposals must address the following: the combining of mathematics and music; the plan for improving students’ learning of mathematics; and the anticipated impact on students’ achievement. Maximum award: $3,000. Eligibility: individual classroom teachers or small groups of teachers currently teaching mathematics in grades PreK-2 level who are also (as of October 14, 2011) Full Individual or e-Members of NCTM or teach in a school with a current (as of October 14, 2011) NCTM PreK-8 school membership. Deadline: November 11, 2011.

http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1318

Mr. Holland’s Opus Melody Program provides musical instruments and instrument repairs to existing K-12 school music programs that have no other source of financing to purchase additional musical instruments and materials. Eligibility: music programs that take place during the regular school day. Schools must have an established instrumental music program (i.e. concert band, marching band, jazz band and/or orchestra) that is at least three years old. Maximum award: $8,000. Deadline for Pre-Qualification: September 29, 2011.
http://www.mhopus.org/teachers.asp

New dates announced: August 15-16, 2011 in St. Paul, Minn. The National Urban Service-Learning Institute, NYLC’s annual event designed to explore issues of equity and achievement in urban education, announced that it will be added to the Colloquium on P-12 STEM Education Research.

http://www.nylc.org/news/nylc-joins-forces-stem-education-center-present-eighth-annual-national-urban-service-learning-i

The Mayor’s Commission on Literacy is moving dynamically forward to create a system that engages all adults in Philadelphia in lifelong learning for their economic success, civic engagement, and personal development. The Director of Adult Literacy Marketing and Communications will be a key member of a small team that will reframe the discussion about literacy from deficit to productivity, will engage the city as a whole in action to upskill the populace, and will work in collaboration with public and private partners throughout the city to make a lasting difference for the benefit of the city’s and each citizen’s growth and prosperity.

Required skills, credentials and experience: Bachelors’ required, Master’s degree preferred in marketing and/or communications. Non-profit/cause-related experience in strategic marketing and communications at a management level. Outstanding oral and written communications skills; experience with social networking, web, and other major contemporary tools of marketing and communications. Demonstrated excellence in creative work. Ability to identify and manage vendors/consultants/designers. Budget preparation and management experience. Works collaboratively with partner organizations.

The applicant MUST be a resident of the City of Philadelphia.

Responsibilities: Create and implement a strategic marketing plan. Create and work with creative consultants on branding, messaging, and all collaterals for the entire organization and for all of its communications. Prepare and supervise preparation of all electronic and print materials and maintain communications with various constituencies, e.g., the Commission Board, literacy provider community, the adult literacy learner community, major partners in the city, neighborhoods, business, unions, nonprofits, and the public at large. Identify and arrange Public Relations opportunities for the organization and with reference to all of its activities. Maintains and updates the web site and all electronic messaging and communications. Develop and manage signature event and major events. Supervise Assistant Director for Communications and Events and Information and Referrals Specialist. Manage contracted services.

· Provide timely information to the field for all activities;
· Represent the agency in appropriate forums;
· Participate in agency events and activities as appropriate, including evenings and weekends as needed;
· Participate in and support all team and other Mayor’s Commission activities;
· Other duties as assigned.

Reports to the Executive Director.

This position is an exempt position working for the City of Philadelphia.

http://ppra.net/content/community/jobpostings/Default.aspx

The Philadelphia Coalition for Drug/Violence Free Communities is sponsoring its 2nd Neighborhood Leadership Corps program in North Philadelphia under the auspices for the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network.

The NLC is a six-week, three-hours per session course that focuses on substance abuse and violence prevention.  There are only five (5) slots for this program that begins October 2011 at PAAN headquarters in North Philadelphia.

Besides the training, NLC participants will be compensated with a small stipend ($250.00 at the end of the full six-week training) as well as $500.00 to undertake a community project. Classes will be held from 9:30am to 12:30pm every Monday for six weeks. Tokens will be provided for transportation to and from the classes.

Download the application here.

http://hosted.uwsepa.org/newsletter/anitaapp.doc

For more information, email Dr. Anita Rogers at arogers235902@comcast.net or call Roslyn Campbell at 215-820-1664.

The application must be submitted no later than August 19th.

The Center for Literacy wants to share its new headquarters and learning center at 399 Market Street on September 8th.

The public is invited to be part of the organization’s future by joining in its grand opening celebration. Opportunities are available to sponsor a classroom, a meeting space, or a spot on the donor wall.

To learn more, visit here or call 215-474-1235.

http://www.centerforliteracy.org/

Director, Pace Center for Civic Engagement-Princeton University

Princeton University – Princeton, NJ

Princeton University, one of the world’s leading teaching and research institutions, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring leader to serve as the director of the Pace Center for Civic Engagement. The Center supports efforts by undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni to identify and address issues of public concern, to be actively engaged citizens, and to practice effective public leadership to build stronger communities and societies throughout the world. The Center connects individuals and groups with opportunities to respond thoughtfully to civic problems and have an impact through direct volunteer service, civic action trips, social entrepreneurship, public service internships and fellowships, and volunteer teaching and tutoring.

Reporting to the vice president for campus life, the director will articulate a cohesive and compelling vision for the Pace Center and its value for the University community, refine the programmatic goals of the Center, build collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations and public and civic institutions, coordinate Pace Center programs with related activities across the University, and further integrate the Center into the central life and mission of the University. In addition, the successful candidate will manage an annual budget of $1.7 million, generate new financial resources for the Center, provide exemplary stewardship of donors, evaluate the quality and effectiveness of Center activities, and provide direction and leadership for a staff of ten.

This leadership opportunity requires an individual who understands residential campus life and the role of service in the context of the academic mission of the University, inspires others to invest their energy and resources in civic engagement, and seeks and values input from many sources. The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager of people and finances, politically astute University citizen, and exemplary communicator and relationship-builder. A bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree is preferred.

Please direct all inquiries, preliminary expressions of interest, and nominations in confidence electronically to: Ponneh A. Varho, Senior Associate, Isaacson, Miller: 4283 {at} imsearch(.)com. To apply, please submit an online employment application at http://jobs.princeton.edu, requisition 0110318.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and in keeping with our commitment, encourages women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and Vietnam-era and disabled veterans to apply.

More information on Princeton University and the Pace Center for Civic Engagement can be found at: http://www.princeton.edu and http://www.princeton.edu/pace

Join renowned authors and leadership scholars as you engage in a unique reflective program that will help guide your work and leadership in local government.  Insightful learning experiences will provide you with the opportunity to reflect, recognize and appreciate what you can do to enhance your success as a municipal leader.

» Learn more: http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-networks/education-training/lti

In the aftermath of the summer, 2009 arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates on his own front porch by Cambridge police sergeant James Crowley, President Obama invited the two to the White House to discuss the incident.  At the same time in Center City, Philadelphia, Global Citizen and MLK365 organized their own Beer Summit for concerned citizens to meet, mingle, and discuss race relations in Philadelphia and throughout America.

This year’s 3rd annual MLK365 Beer Summit: A Continuing Conversation on Race Relations, will feature a special guest, Yale professor Elijah Anderson, to continue the discussion about race, class, and power and how we can overcome the barriers that have divided us.  Professor Anderson’s latest book, The Cosmopolitan Canopy: Race and Civility in Everyday Life, will serve as the backdrop and theme for our discussion.

The event will be held Tuesday, August 2, 5-7 PM, in the Beer Garden at Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia.  To register, go here.

http://mlk365beersummit.eventbrite.com/

For more information, call 215-665-2655 or email mlk365@globalcitizen.us.com.

This summit will focus on the significant social and economic benefits of preventing childhood obesity and the importance of making it a policy priority in challenging economic times. Workshops and plenary sessions will demonstrate how policymakers can champion “win-win” policies that support economic development and academic achievement while helping to improve children’s health. The summit will provide policymakers with tools and information to help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

» Learn more: http://www.cvent.com/events/2011-leadership-for-healthy-communities-childhood-obesity-prevention-summit/event-summary-2b90faab0090494b99cad8c785e4ea94.aspx

November 10-12, 2011 • Phoenix, Arizona

The biennial National Summit on Your City’s Families is the nation’s largest gathering of municipal leaders who are working to improve the lives of children, youth, and families in their communities.

Learn More and Register Online Today!

http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/iyef/national-summit-on-your-citys-families

Hundreds of mayors, councilmembers, senior municipal staff, school district leaders, and community partners from cities across the country will gather in Phoenix on Nov. 10-12 to attend the 2011 Summit, one of four concurrent conferences to be held during NLC’s annual Congress of Cities and Exposition.

Attendees will learn innovative solutions to help young people and families succeed in today’s challenging economic environment and in the process improve local quality of life, attract and retain residents, promote economic vitality and build safe and healthy communities.  A rich array of plenary sessions, workshops, site visits, trainings and roundtable discussions will highlight city strategies on:

*      Education from Early Childhood through College
*      Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Programs
*      Positive Engagement and Support of Immigrant Families
*      Public Safety and Violence Prevention
*      Strategies for Reengaging Disconnected Youth
*      Childhood Obesity Prevention and Health Initiatives
*      Poverty Reduction and Economic Self-Sufficiency
*      Access to the Financial Mainstream
*      Collaborative, Data-Driven Approaches
*      Maximizing Resources/Sustainable Funding Strategies

The Summit’s high-quality learning and peer networking opportunities will enable local leaders to confront the pressing challenges facing their cities and towns, from painful budget cuts and a weak job market to rapid demographic change fueled by immigration and an economy that increasingly rewards educational attainment.  Summit participants will gain inspiration and new ideas for taking action as they connect with national experts, NLC staff, and peers from cities of all sizes and regions of the country.

Who Should Attend?

Because an entire community shares responsibility for the well-being of children and youth, local leaders benefit most from the Summit when they attend as part of a city team.  Members of city teams who have attended past Summits include:

*      Mayors and City Councilmembers
*      City Managers and Senior Municipal Staff
*      Youth Delegates
*      School District and Higher Education Leaders
*      United Way and Community Foundation Representatives
*      Law Enforcement Officials
*      Child Welfare and Human Services Staff
*      Faith-Based Leaders
*      Business and Workforce Agency Leaders
*      Public Health Specialists
*      Afterschool Providers and Community Organization Partners

City teams of three or more local partners can work with a facilitator at the Summit to establish priorities and plans for taking action upon returning home.  Group discounts will be available to teams of more than five participants.  There will also be opportunities for youth delegates to engage in the main conference programming, in addition to some youth-only sessions.

More information will be available in the coming months in this newsletter and the NLC website.  For questions, please contact Sharie Wood at (202) 626-3087 or wood@nlc.org.

» Learn more and register for the 2011 Summit: http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/iyef/national-summit-on-your-citys-families
» Tentative agenda: http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/iyef/2011-summit-agenda
» Congress of Cities information: http://www.nlc.org/events/coc

Please contact: Melissa Samen

610-660-0190 Ext 104
melissa@jewishrelief.org

The Corporation for National and Community Service has announced the availability of close to $1 million in funding to help build the capacity of small and midsize nonprofits to develop and implement performance management systems. CNCS will provide grants to a small number of intermediary organizations to assist nonprofits in resource-poor communities in developing performance management systems to help them better measure progress and improve performance. For this competition, CNCS expects to make up to five awards. CNCS will select no more than one intermediary based in a particular state.

http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=89

In honor and celebration of its 60th anniversary, ClSV USA will be awarding one individual with the inaugural Founder’s Award. The winner will receive a $2,500 – $5,000 honorarium to continue his or her organization’s work in supporting cross-cultural understanding. The recipient of the Founder’s Award must be a resident of the United States with at least a bachelor’s degree who has done substantial work to build a grassroots organization with an international or national focus.

http://cisvusa.org/60th.php

Administrative Coordinator – Urban Studies Program, University of Pennsylvania

The person will be responsible for managing and carrying out administration of the Urban Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania. He/she will serve as the front line contact person for students and faculty and work closely with the Urban Studies co-directors to assure the smooth functioning of the program. He/she will be expected to take the lead in several different areas of responsibility. Related to the academic program, the Administrative Coordinator is responsible for course scheduling and registration, scheduling rooms, communication with and supporting faculty with course arrangements, assisting with student advising, preparing and disseminating information about courses and program events and opportunities, updating and maintaining the program website and social networks, and coordinating special events such as lectures, colloquia, and graduation. Academic support requires use of the Student Records System (SRS) and communication with SAS administration and other departments throughout the university to maintain and make changes in courses. Financial responsibilities include record-keeping, preparing reimbursement and requisition forms, monitoring expenditures/payments, and preparing information and analyses for budget decision-making.  This person is the direct liaison with the local business office. Responsibilities also include working with payroll and personnel concerns related to appointments/reappointments for faculty and graduate assistants, tracking salary expenditures, etc. Important administrative responsibilities include working with the program’s databases, updating and maintaining records, supervising work-study students, and organizing and maintaining departmental records. The person will keep the co-directors’ calendars and set up appointments with students and others, is responsible for office/building related concerns, and performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: (Qualifications should clearly indicate those that are required and those that are preferred.)

Three to five years experience in higher education administration, financial records management, event planning, and communications.  At least secondary diploma, BA/BS preferred.  Previous experience with Student Records System a plus.  Excellent organization and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently. The position requires initiative and sound judgment with the capacity to exercise discretion in working with confidential information.  Must be able to interact diplomatically with diverse public, manage multiple and competing priorities, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines.  Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to compose correspondence.  A systems thinker with a results orientation is needed for success in this role.  Attention to detail very important.  Ability to delegate tasks and responsibility to work study and graduate assistants.  Proficiency with office and communications software (Word, Excel, Access, ProCite, Drupal) required.  Experience with website development/maintenance desirable. Experience using social networking for communications also desirable.

To apply, candidates must submit cover letter and resume online through the University of Pennsylvania Jobs@Penn site.  Candidates can also send a resume directly to urbs@sas.upenn.edu.

http://www.hr.upenn.edu/jobs/

For the 10th Anniversary Challenge, CNCS will award up to $500,000 through approximately 10-15 awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to organizations that achieve the highest level of volunteer engagement.   Service activities should honor those who died and those who have served because of the tragedies of 9/11, and include a time of reflection and remembrance.  Projects should be implemented on or near 9/11/11 and clearly be linked to the observance of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. The CNCS 10th Anniversary Challenge is being conducted through Challenge.gov, the Obama Administration new portal for contests and prizes.

http://bit.ly/rlAnay

The Sodexo School Engagement grant program will support teachers and students, grades K-12, in learning about the incidence of childhood hunger in their community, and in leading meaningful activities that facilitate access to nutritious food for all children, especially those most at risk. The program will be implemented through a service-learning “Semester of Service” focused on childhood hunger that launches on MLK Day of Service (January 16, 2012) and culminates on GYSD (April 20-22, 2012). 11 grantees will receive a $5,000 planning grant.

http://www.YSA.org/grants/sodexoschool

Upon hearing the news that longtime community leader and former City Councilman Ed Schwartz has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, friends and community activists have come together to form For The Love of Ed Schwartz, a team participating in the Alzheimer’s Walk happening on September 10th beginning at 11am.

Schwartz until recently was the longtime the director of the Institute for the Study of Civic Values and was among the first to use Internet tools to organize neighborhoods and communities.

To join the Alzheimer’s Walk For the Love of Ed Schwartz team, go here.

http://2011walktoendalz.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=452654&lis=0&kntae452654=219A12D9E83F4D60AD6C32888FEB233C

For more information, call Andrea Johnson at 267-408-1087.

Requirement: You must email or call to have a preliminary discussion about your project and application. TMF staff can help you focus your request on projects which are more likely to be funded.  The grant process is competitive and there is no guarantee of funding.

TMF has three core grant making areas for businesses that have been legally established for at least three years in Philadelphia:
• Business Stabilization grants up to $10,000 to help small businesses remain stable, viable and grow in the face of economic challenges and opportunities.
http://www.merchantsfund.org/grant-areas-business-stabilization.html
• Business Loan matches up to $20,000 to match at least dollar for dollar accredited government programs and bank loans.  Loan matches are last dollar which means you will have to spend your loan money before the match is available.
http://www.merchantsfund.org/grant-areas-business-loan.html
• Emergency grants between $1,000 and $20,000 to offset unavoidable harm caused by nature or man and not covered by insurance.  TMF staff must determine if your case fits the criteria for an emergency grant.  The downturn in the economic climate is not considered a valid reason for an emergency application. The application is no longer on the web site and can only be obtained from TMF by request.

Please visit our web site http://www.merchantsfund.org/ for printable applications and detailed guidelines or contact us directly at info@merchantsfund.org or call 215-399-1339.  There are also brief descriptions of past grants on the web site to inspire and guide your efforts.