Wednesday, April 28, 2010

NEA Foundation Applauds Educational Philanthropy

Honors Nickelodeon for Commitment to Children and Education

Washington, DC (April 27, 2010) – Nickelodeon will receive The NEA Foundation Award for Philanthropy in Public Education for its commitment to children and to education at its annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held in Washington, DC on April 30, 2010. This award recognizes businesses and philanthropic organizations for their significant commitment to improving public education or supporting public schools, students, and educators.

“For more than 31 years, Nickelodeon has engaged and educated children across the nation and around the world,” said Harriet Sanford, President & CEO of The NEA Foundation.  “Nickelodeon has championed the environment, health and wellness, education, and community service.  Most recently, through its Big Help Grants, Nickelodeon is providing $600,000 in direct support to schools and community-based organizations for environmentally-friendly projects that educate and inspire kids to take care of the environment, themselves, and their communities.”

“Our environmental crisis has captured the attention of educators and students alike. Study of the environment can energize teaching and learning, develop leadership, encourage community service, build 21st century skills, and ultimately improve student achievement.   “These are important outcomes that both Nickelodeon and the NEA Foundation strongly support,” said Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado, Chair of the NEA Foundation’s Board of Directors. “By investing in programs that recognize excellence in education, corporations and foundations make a critical contribution to teaching and learning. This benefits us all, as it leads to a stronger work force and more fulfilled and engaged citizens.”

Nickelodeon can be found in classrooms nationwide, providing valuable teaching resources for educational professionals and caregivers. Through its award-winning programming, including: Nick News with Linda Ellerbee, the longest-running kids’ news show in U.S. television history; Teacher.nick.com, Nickelodeon’s online resource that connects teachers to information and lesson plans based on the network’s educational programming; Cable in the Classroom; and Nick Jr., the network’s 24-hour, commercial-free, educational preschool network .

This year, Nickelodeon is supporting education through two global, multiplatform initiatives that provide tools and materials to educators and parents.  In March the network launched The Big Help, which aims to inspire a kid-led movement for positive change, focusing on four key issues: education; the environment; health and wellness, and community service.  The network also kicked off the celebration of Dora the Explorer’s 10th anniversary year with the launch of Dora’s Beyond the Backpack, a multi-platform pro-social program that champions overall school readiness for preschoolers as they prepare for the important adventure of beginning school.  

The senior vice president of Public Affairs for Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group, Jean Margaret Smith, will accept the award at the Foundation’s awards gala, which has an eco-friendly theme. 

About The NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation is a public charity supported by contributions from educators' dues, corporate sponsors, and others who support public education initiatives.We partner with education unions, districts, and communities to create powerful, sustainable improvements in teaching and learning. Visit www.neafoundation.org for more information. Find us on Facebook and Twitter, and visit our blog.

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