Education
The Near West Intergenerational School (NWIS), a public charter school that aims to serve families on Cleveland's near-west side, will open this fall inside of Ohio City's Garrett Morgan School of Science.
"The location in the heart of Ohio City will draw kids from the neighborhood, and many families will be able to walk to school," says Debbie Fisher, the school's recently hired Principal. "Cleveland has a huge need for quality, high-performing schools, and we really believe in bringing this model to kids and families."
NWIS is being modeled after The Intergenerational School (TIS), a high-performing charter school in the Larchmere-Shaker Square neighborhood of Cleveland. In 2009, TIS received a $250,000 grant to replicate its model. After being recruited by members of the Ohio City Babysitting Co-op, a group of parents that exchange sits, TIS decided to open a new school on the near-west side.
There was one small problem, however: they didn't yet have a building. Racing against an August 2011 deadline, NWIS staff, board members and volunteers filed the necessary paperwork with the State of Ohio to create a new charter school, created a board of directors, worked furiously to gain sponsorship by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and negotiated for space.
When it opens, NWIS will be the first charter school to be housed inside a CMSD school. The agreement has not been without controversy -- the Cleveland Teachers Union urged CMSD to reject the agreement, stating that it would divide the community, and two CMSD board members voted against it.
Charter schools in Ohio are publicly funded yet privately managed, and their relationship with CMSD has been anything but cozy over the years. Nonetheless, Fisher says school leaders have been helpful throughout the entire process.
"Their attorneys turned around our agreement in one week," she says. "There are some really good staff at CMSD that helped make this happen. They see what we're doing as complementing their efforts to create new and innovative schools."
Fisher recently spent an hour touring Garrett Morgan and talking with the custodian, and she found it to be in excellent condition. "It's a beautiful building," she says. "It has a 600-seat auditorium, and there are no broken seats."
Source: Debbie Fisher
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"The location in the heart of Ohio City will draw kids from the neighborhood, and many families will be able to walk to school," says Debbie Fisher, the school's recently hired Principal. "Cleveland has a huge need for quality, high-performing schools, and we really believe in bringing this model to kids and families."
NWIS is being modeled after The Intergenerational School (TIS), a high-performing charter school in the Larchmere-Shaker Square neighborhood of Cleveland. In 2009, TIS received a $250,000 grant to replicate its model. After being recruited by members of the Ohio City Babysitting Co-op, a group of parents that exchange sits, TIS decided to open a new school on the near-west side.
There was one small problem, however: they didn't yet have a building. Racing against an August 2011 deadline, NWIS staff, board members and volunteers filed the necessary paperwork with the State of Ohio to create a new charter school, created a board of directors, worked furiously to gain sponsorship by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and negotiated for space.
When it opens, NWIS will be the first charter school to be housed inside a CMSD school. The agreement has not been without controversy -- the Cleveland Teachers Union urged CMSD to reject the agreement, stating that it would divide the community, and two CMSD board members voted against it.
Charter schools in Ohio are publicly funded yet privately managed, and their relationship with CMSD has been anything but cozy over the years. Nonetheless, Fisher says school leaders have been helpful throughout the entire process.
"Their attorneys turned around our agreement in one week," she says. "There are some really good staff at CMSD that helped make this happen. They see what we're doing as complementing their efforts to create new and innovative schools."
Fisher recently spent an hour touring Garrett Morgan and talking with the custodian, and she found it to be in excellent condition. "It's a beautiful building," she says. "It has a 600-seat auditorium, and there are no broken seats."
Source: Debbie Fisher
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Cleveland State University's Factory Theatre is so often booked that students have to schedule rehearsals late at night. While department chair Michael Mauldin bemoans his program's outdated facilities, he realizes that it's a good problem to have.
Before Mauldin was hired in 2006 to breathe new life into the moribund Dramatic Arts Program, the school had only 21 majors. Campus officials had even considered canceling it. Today,CSU's theatre program boasts 85 majors -- and counting.
"We're poised to become a destination theatre program in the coming years," Mauldin predicts. "That's not hubris -- there's some very solid work being produced here."
Mauldin is especially excited about CSU's imminent move to the three new stages at the newly renovated and expanded Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. When the theatre opens in September, CSU will share it with Cleveland Play House, which is relocating from its long-standing home near the Cleveland Clinic.
"Currently, we only have one performance stage in an old textile factory," explains Mauldin. "We're moving to a 500-seat, state-of-the-art theatre inside the Allen, a 290-seat flex space and a 150-seat black box theatre. It's a dream of a space."
Mauldin also lauded the renovation of the Middough Building on East 13th Street, which will feature classrooms, studios and rehearsal halls. "Instead of stepping over each other, we can have concurrent activities going on," he says.
Although CSU's program is already strong (Mauldin reports that 95 percent of its graduates are either working or attending graduate school in the field) it will only get better by being part of PlayhouseSquare.
"We're part of the city, whose theatrical life is so vibrant," he says. "There's so much promise and potential to live up to."
Source: Michael Mauldin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Before Mauldin was hired in 2006 to breathe new life into the moribund Dramatic Arts Program, the school had only 21 majors. Campus officials had even considered canceling it. Today,CSU's theatre program boasts 85 majors -- and counting.
"We're poised to become a destination theatre program in the coming years," Mauldin predicts. "That's not hubris -- there's some very solid work being produced here."
Mauldin is especially excited about CSU's imminent move to the three new stages at the newly renovated and expanded Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. When the theatre opens in September, CSU will share it with Cleveland Play House, which is relocating from its long-standing home near the Cleveland Clinic.
"Currently, we only have one performance stage in an old textile factory," explains Mauldin. "We're moving to a 500-seat, state-of-the-art theatre inside the Allen, a 290-seat flex space and a 150-seat black box theatre. It's a dream of a space."
Mauldin also lauded the renovation of the Middough Building on East 13th Street, which will feature classrooms, studios and rehearsal halls. "Instead of stepping over each other, we can have concurrent activities going on," he says.
Although CSU's program is already strong (Mauldin reports that 95 percent of its graduates are either working or attending graduate school in the field) it will only get better by being part of PlayhouseSquare.
"We're part of the city, whose theatrical life is so vibrant," he says. "There's so much promise and potential to live up to."
Source: Michael Mauldin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Interim Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) CEO Peter Raskind, who is being replaced by Chief Academic Officer Eric Gordon, offered some parting thoughts on improving urban education at a forum last week on underperforming schools.
Introducing himself as "the lamest of lame ducks," Raskind told the audience at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs that quality urban schools are critical to reducing inequality. Then he evaluated two concepts that are often mentioned by the left and right as single solutions to the woes of public education: more money and more competition.
"Will more money help? No, not alone," he asserted. While the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) laid off hundreds of teachers and staff this year, Raskind does not believe more resources alone would improve performance.
On the subject of fostering competition, he stated that "some competition is helpful, and charter schools and other competitors have induced what I like to call a 'positive discomfort' among schools. At the end of the day, we do have to compete -- yet alone, competition won't solve our problems."
The answer, Raskind said, is effective leadership. He cited Apple and General Motors as examples of two large companies that came back from the brink of destruction to flourish after being led by strong leaders.
Yet urban schools face a critical challenge in attracting good leaders because "leaders are drawn to environments where they can apply their talents to full effect, and repulsed by environments where they feel they'll be stymied," he said.
"How can we attract the best principals to our schools, when they don't have control of who they'll be able to hire?" Raskind asked the audience.
Raskind closed by drawing a comparison between urban schools and another industry that's been in the news a lot lately. "Like the auto industry, urban schools are also in a long slow decline," he said. "And labor and management are locked into complex, rigid agreements that don't function well in today's world."
"Our customers are defecting to more nimble and attractive competitors, particularly charter schools," he continued. "And like the auto industry, labor and management will go down together unless changes are made."
Source: Peter Raskind
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Introducing himself as "the lamest of lame ducks," Raskind told the audience at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs that quality urban schools are critical to reducing inequality. Then he evaluated two concepts that are often mentioned by the left and right as single solutions to the woes of public education: more money and more competition.
"Will more money help? No, not alone," he asserted. While the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) laid off hundreds of teachers and staff this year, Raskind does not believe more resources alone would improve performance.
On the subject of fostering competition, he stated that "some competition is helpful, and charter schools and other competitors have induced what I like to call a 'positive discomfort' among schools. At the end of the day, we do have to compete -- yet alone, competition won't solve our problems."
The answer, Raskind said, is effective leadership. He cited Apple and General Motors as examples of two large companies that came back from the brink of destruction to flourish after being led by strong leaders.
Yet urban schools face a critical challenge in attracting good leaders because "leaders are drawn to environments where they can apply their talents to full effect, and repulsed by environments where they feel they'll be stymied," he said.
"How can we attract the best principals to our schools, when they don't have control of who they'll be able to hire?" Raskind asked the audience.
Raskind closed by drawing a comparison between urban schools and another industry that's been in the news a lot lately. "Like the auto industry, urban schools are also in a long slow decline," he said. "And labor and management are locked into complex, rigid agreements that don't function well in today's world."
"Our customers are defecting to more nimble and attractive competitors, particularly charter schools," he continued. "And like the auto industry, labor and management will go down together unless changes are made."
Source: Peter Raskind
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Forget Cupertino. Hello, Cleveland!
In an article penned by Aaron Glantz, the San Francisco-based Bay Citizen reported that "rust-belt cities of Pittsburgh, Cleveland and St. Louis are all drawing a higher proportion of highly skilled immigrants than Silicon Valley." The numbers were announced in a recent Brookings Institution study of census data.
In that study, the Brookings' Matthew Hall points to efforts by cities such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh to recruit and welcome foreign workers to town in an attempt to rejuvenate the economy. Also of great importance is the cost-of-living disparity.
"Pittsburgh is an easier place to afford to live the American dream and get your foot in the door," Hall said. "That might sound like a pretty good option to a lot of people."
And perhaps contrary to popular opinion, highly skilled immigrants now outnumber lower-skilled ones in the United States, the report found. They found that 30 percent of the country's working-age immigrants, regardless of legal status, have at least a bachelor's degree. Only 28 percent lack a high school diploma.
Read the entire article here.
In that study, the Brookings' Matthew Hall points to efforts by cities such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh to recruit and welcome foreign workers to town in an attempt to rejuvenate the economy. Also of great importance is the cost-of-living disparity.
"Pittsburgh is an easier place to afford to live the American dream and get your foot in the door," Hall said. "That might sound like a pretty good option to a lot of people."
And perhaps contrary to popular opinion, highly skilled immigrants now outnumber lower-skilled ones in the United States, the report found. They found that 30 percent of the country's working-age immigrants, regardless of legal status, have at least a bachelor's degree. Only 28 percent lack a high school diploma.
Read the entire article here.
Recent CWRU mechanical engineering graduates Austin Schmidt and Solomon Alkhasov won the 2011 Idea Competition, sponsored by LaunchHouse and CSU's Accelerated MBA program at Nance College of Business. They created a company called Affinity Algorithms, which develops proprietary computer arbitrage software to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers in various online marketplaces. The software provides greater liquidity and price transparency in the marketplaces.
"We are developing a suite of online software that helps the seller in fragmented marketplaces better manage inventory," explains Schmidt. Although Schmidt and Alkhasov came up with the idea from their experiences buying and selling textbooks in college, they say it can be applied to many online marketplaces.
The idea for Affinity Algorithms came about in January, they set up shop in March, and landed at LaunchHouse this month. They plan to roll out a full build of the software in September.
Students from all Northeast Ohio colleges and universities were invited to pitch a business concept to a panel of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, CSU faculty and LaunchHouse staff. The contest primarily focused on students who had innovative ideas in the fields of software and internet technology, low-tech medical devices and clean energy.
The second winner is Ronny Shalev, also a student at Case. Shalev created a product known as an autonomous intravenous (IV) insertion tool that will be the most effective replacement for the current procedure of manual vein localization and needle insertion. Shalev's tool will completely replace the need for trained medical staff.
Contest winners were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship to the Global AMBA program along with a prize basket of support services from LaunchHouse, "Additionally, we received a $500 check from LaunchHouse, along with a bunch of services that include legal services, accounting, and free space for three months," says Schmidt. "All in all, a very comprehensive package with everything needed to get a business off the ground."
The winners will also have the opportunity to compete for up to $5000 in follow on funding.
Source: Austin Schmidt
Writer: Karin Connelly
clusters like neo's 'eds and meds' hold key to economic future, says usa today
In an article titled "To get jobs, areas develop industry hubs in emerging fields," USA Today writer Paul Davidson singles out Northeast Ohio as a region combating the loss of traditional factory jobs by developing industry clusters.
Clusters are groupings of manufacturers, suppliers, training programs and researchers.
"Cluster theory holds that manufacturers and suppliers often want to be in proximity to collaborate on product design. Companies want to be near universities to benefit from the latest innovations. And bigger clusters attract still more companies that seek access to a large pool of skilled workers."
Supported by Ohio's Third Frontier and other initiatives, Northeast Ohio's hub of medical, pharmaceutical and bioscience continues to flourish. Since 2001, the number of biomedical firms has more than doubled to 600, and VC investments have increased to $150 million a year compared to just $30 million.
Now on its way, the $465 million Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center will be the world's first marketplace for medical industry buyers and sellers.
Read the whole report here.
Clusters are groupings of manufacturers, suppliers, training programs and researchers.
"Cluster theory holds that manufacturers and suppliers often want to be in proximity to collaborate on product design. Companies want to be near universities to benefit from the latest innovations. And bigger clusters attract still more companies that seek access to a large pool of skilled workers."
Supported by Ohio's Third Frontier and other initiatives, Northeast Ohio's hub of medical, pharmaceutical and bioscience continues to flourish. Since 2001, the number of biomedical firms has more than doubled to 600, and VC investments have increased to $150 million a year compared to just $30 million.
Now on its way, the $465 million Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center will be the world's first marketplace for medical industry buyers and sellers.
Read the whole report here.
Researchers at CWRU have invented a polymer coating that can repair itself. Stuart Rowan, CWRU professor of macromolecular science and engineering, along with his team and researchers from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and the Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, has spent the last three years developing a rubber-like protective coating that heals itself when an ultraviolet light is shined on it for just a few seconds.
"The idea was to develop a coating that, if it was damaged in any way, we could repair just by shining a light on it," says Rowan. "A lot of my research is creating stimulating response materials."
The science behind the technology involves taking a long chain of polymers and reducing it to small chains. When the UV light -- much like the light used in dentist offices -- shines on them, the polymers become temporarily unglued. They reassemble when the light is shut off, thus repairing the scratches.
"It works perfectly for coating penetrations," says Rowan.
The scientists envision that self-healing polymers like theirs could be used in automotive paints, varnishes for floors and furniture, and many other applications. "The material could be used in potentially any paint or coating use," says Rowan.
Their findings were published in the April 21 issue of the journal Nature.
The team is currently in talks with companies to see if there is an interest in commercializing the material.
Source: Stuart Rowan
Writer: Karen Connelly
"The idea was to develop a coating that, if it was damaged in any way, we could repair just by shining a light on it," says Rowan. "A lot of my research is creating stimulating response materials."
The science behind the technology involves taking a long chain of polymers and reducing it to small chains. When the UV light -- much like the light used in dentist offices -- shines on them, the polymers become temporarily unglued. They reassemble when the light is shut off, thus repairing the scratches.
"It works perfectly for coating penetrations," says Rowan.
The scientists envision that self-healing polymers like theirs could be used in automotive paints, varnishes for floors and furniture, and many other applications. "The material could be used in potentially any paint or coating use," says Rowan.
Their findings were published in the April 21 issue of the journal Nature.
The team is currently in talks with companies to see if there is an interest in commercializing the material.
Source: Stuart Rowan
Writer: Karen Connelly
It's a well known fact that institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals are growth engines in Cleveland's economy these days. A lesser-known fact is that these institutions and others have emerged as leaders in greening Northeast Ohio's economy.
In recent months, Case, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Tri-C, Kent State, Oberlin College, Cleveland State University and the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Case's Weatherhead School of Management have all hired Sustainability Managers.
It's a sign that sustainability efforts -- once the domain of graduate students, volunteer committees or a staff person whose responsibilities were already stretched -- have infiltrated the culture of these organizations. These full-time staffers are responsible for implementing sustainable business practices.
Take University Hospitals (UH) as one example. Aparna Bole, a staff doctor, recently replaced an all- volunteer team that has led efforts for several years. She is now working to develop a sustainability plan, add two additional full-time staff people, and ensure that all new UH buildings meet EnergyStar standards (a 15-percent energy use reduction when compared to typical construction).
Cleveland State University (CSU) has also ramped up its sustainability efforts. Recently, CSU President Ronald Berkman signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, requiring that CSU develop a carbon reduction goal and track carbon emissions from buildings. Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, is responsible for leading these efforts.
The new hires indicate that Sustainable Cleveland 2019, an effort launched by the city of Cleveland and environmental groups to make Cleveland a model of sustainability, is taking root in some pretty big places.
Source: Green City Blue Lake
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In recent months, Case, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Tri-C, Kent State, Oberlin College, Cleveland State University and the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Case's Weatherhead School of Management have all hired Sustainability Managers.
It's a sign that sustainability efforts -- once the domain of graduate students, volunteer committees or a staff person whose responsibilities were already stretched -- have infiltrated the culture of these organizations. These full-time staffers are responsible for implementing sustainable business practices.
Take University Hospitals (UH) as one example. Aparna Bole, a staff doctor, recently replaced an all- volunteer team that has led efforts for several years. She is now working to develop a sustainability plan, add two additional full-time staff people, and ensure that all new UH buildings meet EnergyStar standards (a 15-percent energy use reduction when compared to typical construction).
Cleveland State University (CSU) has also ramped up its sustainability efforts. Recently, CSU President Ronald Berkman signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, requiring that CSU develop a carbon reduction goal and track carbon emissions from buildings. Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, is responsible for leading these efforts.
The new hires indicate that Sustainable Cleveland 2019, an effort launched by the city of Cleveland and environmental groups to make Cleveland a model of sustainability, is taking root in some pretty big places.
Source: Green City Blue Lake
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The John Carroll University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team recently won the SIFE regional competition for community outreach projects. They then traveled to the national contest in Minneapolis, where the team competed with 100 other teams from around the country.
SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.
The JCU students, under the leadership of Scott Allen, assistant professor of management in the Boler School of Business, were charged with developing sustainable business plans for organizations helping the needy. "SIFE pairs undergraduate students with business leaders in the community," explains Allen. More than 48,000 students on 1,500 university campuses in 39 countries participate in SIFE.
Working with locals businesses such as PNC Bank, Chase Bank, and Nordstrom, the JCU students developed community outreach projects. "The goal is to use the classroom to create real projects that have a real impact on the world," says Allen. "It was fun to see what the students came up with."
Four projects brought the JCU students to regionals this year. They included African Children Ministries, a skill building and fundraising program that raised $7,000 and helped purchase a truck for an orphanage in Zaire; Hope for Honduran Children Foundation, a partnership that created a micro-enterprise to establish sustainable revenue for the children; Elevate Your Future, an opportunity for students to learn about, practice and refine their interviewing skills through interaction with executives, including members of the John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association; and Sam's Club Environmental Sustainability Challenge, in a partnership with Geraci's Italian Restaurant and a grant from Sam's Club, the students developed methods to make the local eatery more environmentally sustainable.
While the team did not place in the top 16, Allen says he is "very proud of them."
Source: Scott Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly
SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.
The JCU students, under the leadership of Scott Allen, assistant professor of management in the Boler School of Business, were charged with developing sustainable business plans for organizations helping the needy. "SIFE pairs undergraduate students with business leaders in the community," explains Allen. More than 48,000 students on 1,500 university campuses in 39 countries participate in SIFE.
Working with locals businesses such as PNC Bank, Chase Bank, and Nordstrom, the JCU students developed community outreach projects. "The goal is to use the classroom to create real projects that have a real impact on the world," says Allen. "It was fun to see what the students came up with."
Four projects brought the JCU students to regionals this year. They included African Children Ministries, a skill building and fundraising program that raised $7,000 and helped purchase a truck for an orphanage in Zaire; Hope for Honduran Children Foundation, a partnership that created a micro-enterprise to establish sustainable revenue for the children; Elevate Your Future, an opportunity for students to learn about, practice and refine their interviewing skills through interaction with executives, including members of the John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association; and Sam's Club Environmental Sustainability Challenge, in a partnership with Geraci's Italian Restaurant and a grant from Sam's Club, the students developed methods to make the local eatery more environmentally sustainable.
While the team did not place in the top 16, Allen says he is "very proud of them."
Source: Scott Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly
As a law student at CSU's Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Art Geigel noticed a flaw in the way he and his fellow students took notes in class. Almost everybody took notes using their laptops and Microsoft Word, compiling seemingly endless documents with no way of organizing the information.
"I kept thinking to myself, 'There's a better way to do this than to keep taking notes in one constantly growing Word document,'" says Geigel.
That "better way," says Geigel, is GroundBooth, an online program for law students to take notes, share outlines and collaborate. "The whole goal is to make technology work for law school students better than it has been. We're trying to tailor GroundBooth to the habits of law students."
The service is free. GroundBooth plans to earn income from ad revenue, supplemental sales of reference materials and additional website features. The company is currently in talks with Supreme Bar Review about a partnership. The website now supports 13 law schools including Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Marshall, Stanford, and Harvard.
Geigel, who just finished his second year of law school, studied computer science as an undergrad at Hiram College and was a web developer before creating GroundBooth. He officially launched the company with three friends in January, and has partnered with Shaker LaunchHouse, which has matched GroundBooth with several mentors and is providing office space, in addition to a cash investment.
Source: Art Geigel
Writer: Karin Connelly
"I kept thinking to myself, 'There's a better way to do this than to keep taking notes in one constantly growing Word document,'" says Geigel.
That "better way," says Geigel, is GroundBooth, an online program for law students to take notes, share outlines and collaborate. "The whole goal is to make technology work for law school students better than it has been. We're trying to tailor GroundBooth to the habits of law students."
The service is free. GroundBooth plans to earn income from ad revenue, supplemental sales of reference materials and additional website features. The company is currently in talks with Supreme Bar Review about a partnership. The website now supports 13 law schools including Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Marshall, Stanford, and Harvard.
Geigel, who just finished his second year of law school, studied computer science as an undergrad at Hiram College and was a web developer before creating GroundBooth. He officially launched the company with three friends in January, and has partnered with Shaker LaunchHouse, which has matched GroundBooth with several mentors and is providing office space, in addition to a cash investment.
Source: Art Geigel
Writer: Karin Connelly
Hollywood might be known as the Dream Factory, but it has begun producing something far more real for Cleveland: jobs and economic growth. Thanks to the recently passed Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, Cleveland already is experiencing a considerable boost in the quantity and quality of movie productions that film here. And that's only the opening scene, promises Ivan Schwarz, executive director of the Cleveland Film Commission.
MC2 STEM High School was named a regional runner-up in an energy conservation competition sponsored by Alcoa Foundation and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change in Arlington, VA. The competition, called Make an Impact: Change our 2morrow (CO2), awarded STEM High School a $1,000 grant for completing the most calculations on how to reduce the carbon footprint with a carbon calculator.
"It was an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and administrators to have hands-on experience in learning about energy conservation in the home," says Vivian Davis, communications and community relations manager for Alcoa in Cleveland.
Three schools in Cleveland participated in the challenge that involved 15 schools nationwide and more than 8,000 students. The Make an Impact: Change Our 2morrow challenge is part of a new $7 million Alcoa Foundation investment to address regional environmental challenges, improve energy efficiency and enhance global reforestation projects.
In addition to the carbon calculators, schools were given a range of educational materials to get students excited about the challenge. MC2 STEM High school, located in the Great Lakes Science Center and GE Lighting's Nela Park in East Cleveland, focuses on hands-on education in science, technology, engineering and math. "It was such a delight," Davis says of the challenge, "We were able to see the school's mission come to life -- to prepare students in stem sciences. I was so impressed."
Source: Vivian Davis
Writer: Karen Connelly
"It was an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and administrators to have hands-on experience in learning about energy conservation in the home," says Vivian Davis, communications and community relations manager for Alcoa in Cleveland.
Three schools in Cleveland participated in the challenge that involved 15 schools nationwide and more than 8,000 students. The Make an Impact: Change Our 2morrow challenge is part of a new $7 million Alcoa Foundation investment to address regional environmental challenges, improve energy efficiency and enhance global reforestation projects.
In addition to the carbon calculators, schools were given a range of educational materials to get students excited about the challenge. MC2 STEM High school, located in the Great Lakes Science Center and GE Lighting's Nela Park in East Cleveland, focuses on hands-on education in science, technology, engineering and math. "It was such a delight," Davis says of the challenge, "We were able to see the school's mission come to life -- to prepare students in stem sciences. I was so impressed."
Source: Vivian Davis
Writer: Karen Connelly
John Zitzner became a successful entrepreneur in the 1980s, when his software company made Inc. magazine's list of the 500 fastest growing companies.
After selling his company to Xerox in the late '90s, however, he decided to apply his business skills to a good cause. He created E City, a nonprofit organization that teaches entrepreneurship and life skills to urban youth. Yet after seeing first-hand the educational challenges that his students faced, he decided to start a school. In 2006 he co-founded E Prep, a high-performing charter middle school.
Two years ago, the serial entrepreneur took the next step by launching Village Prep, a tuition-free public charter elementary school.
At last week's sold out TEDxCLE event at the Capitol Theatre, Zitzner told the capacity crowd that high-performing charter schools are needed across the city of Cleveland to provide an alternative to poor-performing public schools. "Our job is to make sure that every student graduates from high school and college," he said.
Zitzner also announced plans to expand the network of high-performing charter schools in Cleveland. Breakthrough Schools, a coalition of several high-performing charter schools, hopes to create 20 new schools by 2020. This would allow Breakthrough to serve about 7,000 students, or 20 percent of the K-8 school children in Cleveland.
It won't be easy, Zitzner said, because charter schools must raise millions of philanthropic dollars each year. "State charter school laws are discriminatory because they dictate that we receive no local property taxes, or one-third less funding than Cleveland Municipal School District schools that are failing," he said. "We need to change the law so that charter schools receive local property taxes."
Source: John Zitzner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
After selling his company to Xerox in the late '90s, however, he decided to apply his business skills to a good cause. He created E City, a nonprofit organization that teaches entrepreneurship and life skills to urban youth. Yet after seeing first-hand the educational challenges that his students faced, he decided to start a school. In 2006 he co-founded E Prep, a high-performing charter middle school.
Two years ago, the serial entrepreneur took the next step by launching Village Prep, a tuition-free public charter elementary school.
At last week's sold out TEDxCLE event at the Capitol Theatre, Zitzner told the capacity crowd that high-performing charter schools are needed across the city of Cleveland to provide an alternative to poor-performing public schools. "Our job is to make sure that every student graduates from high school and college," he said.
Zitzner also announced plans to expand the network of high-performing charter schools in Cleveland. Breakthrough Schools, a coalition of several high-performing charter schools, hopes to create 20 new schools by 2020. This would allow Breakthrough to serve about 7,000 students, or 20 percent of the K-8 school children in Cleveland.
It won't be easy, Zitzner said, because charter schools must raise millions of philanthropic dollars each year. "State charter school laws are discriminatory because they dictate that we receive no local property taxes, or one-third less funding than Cleveland Municipal School District schools that are failing," he said. "We need to change the law so that charter schools receive local property taxes."
Source: John Zitzner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Comprised of local IT execs and university reps, the RITE Board seeks to boost the quality and reputation of Cleveland's IT sector. By encouraging students to pursue careers in IT and improving IT internships, technology companies aim to capture young IT professionals before they leave town.
Making buildings more energy efficient may not sound sexy, but once owners begin to save money on their utility bills, it gets a lot sexier, said Andrew Watterson, Cleveland's Chief of Sustainability, at last week's forum at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University (CSU).
"Every dollar saved from energy-efficiency measures has an impact not only on the environment but also on your pocketbook," Watterson said at the event, entitled "Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Celebrating Energy-Efficiency in 2011."
The forum was held to highlight efforts that are boosting the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings in Cleveland. Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a citywide effort to build a sustainable economy here by 2019, has chosen the theme of energy efficiency for this year. Sustainable Cleveland 2019 organizers hope that events like the one held last week will educate the public and spur efforts towards energy efficiency.
Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, highlighted the university's commitment to making the campus more energy-efficient. "In recent years, we've completed an audit of every building on campus, and we're expecting to realize a 40-percent savings on our utility costs over a 10-year period, plus a 14-percent overall return on our investment," Engstrom said.
CSU has begun implementing 93 different energy efficiency measures, Engstrom said, including building automation, energy efficient lighting, and more efficient mechanical systems. "This is a wonderful story that we can tell to our students," added Engstrom. "We're on track to reduce consumption by 47-percent within 10 years, and to reduce emissions by 45-percent."
Source: Nathan Engstrom, Andrew Watterson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Every dollar saved from energy-efficiency measures has an impact not only on the environment but also on your pocketbook," Watterson said at the event, entitled "Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Celebrating Energy-Efficiency in 2011."
The forum was held to highlight efforts that are boosting the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings in Cleveland. Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a citywide effort to build a sustainable economy here by 2019, has chosen the theme of energy efficiency for this year. Sustainable Cleveland 2019 organizers hope that events like the one held last week will educate the public and spur efforts towards energy efficiency.
Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, highlighted the university's commitment to making the campus more energy-efficient. "In recent years, we've completed an audit of every building on campus, and we're expecting to realize a 40-percent savings on our utility costs over a 10-year period, plus a 14-percent overall return on our investment," Engstrom said.
CSU has begun implementing 93 different energy efficiency measures, Engstrom said, including building automation, energy efficient lighting, and more efficient mechanical systems. "This is a wonderful story that we can tell to our students," added Engstrom. "We're on track to reduce consumption by 47-percent within 10 years, and to reduce emissions by 45-percent."
Source: Nathan Engstrom, Andrew Watterson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
April and May bring out the best in design during the inaugural Cleveland Design Month-and-a-Half, which features two events that show off the talents of local design students as well as regional and national designers.
The Cleveland Institute of Art's annual Spring Design Show, a tradition for more than 20 years, kicks off on Tuesday, April 19, while the Cleveland Furniture Fair, hosted by Cleveland's District of Design, begins May 16.
In the spring show student work in industrial, interior and communication design will be on display for the public, as well as national employers in Case Western Reserve's Peter B. Lewis building. "More than 100 students show work and interview for internships," says CIA's head of industrial design, Dan Cuffaro. "It's a big job fair." A free public reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will kick off the event.
Throughout the week, designers hailing from some of the most progressive firms in the world will present a series of free lectures to the public.
The second annual Cleveland Furniture Fair will show off the brightest designers and manufacturers of furniture, lighting, millwork and more. This year's fair has a greater variety of designers from Northeast Ohio, unique seminars tailored specifically for exhibitors and the public, as well as pop-up retail shops and a variety of design-focused events.
Additionally, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cleveland Chapter has a calendar full of lectures, exhibitions, and tours open to the public that will introduce new and exciting architecture and design to Northeast Ohio.
Sources: Dan Cuffaro, Casey Burry
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Cleveland Institute of Art's annual Spring Design Show, a tradition for more than 20 years, kicks off on Tuesday, April 19, while the Cleveland Furniture Fair, hosted by Cleveland's District of Design, begins May 16.
In the spring show student work in industrial, interior and communication design will be on display for the public, as well as national employers in Case Western Reserve's Peter B. Lewis building. "More than 100 students show work and interview for internships," says CIA's head of industrial design, Dan Cuffaro. "It's a big job fair." A free public reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will kick off the event.
Throughout the week, designers hailing from some of the most progressive firms in the world will present a series of free lectures to the public.
The second annual Cleveland Furniture Fair will show off the brightest designers and manufacturers of furniture, lighting, millwork and more. This year's fair has a greater variety of designers from Northeast Ohio, unique seminars tailored specifically for exhibitors and the public, as well as pop-up retail shops and a variety of design-focused events.
Additionally, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cleveland Chapter has a calendar full of lectures, exhibitions, and tours open to the public that will introduce new and exciting architecture and design to Northeast Ohio.
Sources: Dan Cuffaro, Casey Burry
Writer: Karin Connelly
When it comes to sustainability, we are all lifelong students. Cleveland's higher education institutions are not excluded from this learning process. In fact, area colleges and universities spent a year reflecting upon on-campus sustainability initiatives and ways to improve current practices.
The Collegiate Sustainable Practices Consortium (CSPC) brought together six local colleges and universities to talk about best practices regarding energy, water, food, building and other areas of sustainability. Led by David Kruger, director of Baldwin-Wallace's Institute for Sustainable Business Practice (ISBP), the group included B-W, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, John Carroll and Oberlin.
Kruger noted in a summary of the consortium that "with its highly industrialized, manufacturing base, [our region] carries a long legacy of sustainability-related challenges: slowly declining employment in several economic sectors; a large environmental and carbon footprint from our manufacturing base; continued population decline in our urban core and in our region at large; and an aging infrastructure."
A recently released report shows what some local higher learning institutions have implemented regarding sustainability:
Baldwin Wallace's Ernthausen Residence Hall became the first residence hall in Ohio to have a geothermal heating and cooling system. . B-W has gone so far in its green initiatives to remove light bulbs from vending machine to conserve energy.
Cleveland State University has been investing in efficient lighting, solar power, mechanical upgrades and recycling programs. The school has been promoting student involvement in its sustainability efforts.
Cuyahoga Community College has six commissioned projects aiming aim for LEED Silver Certification. Tri-C has also developed its own customized green building standards for new construction and renovation projects.
SOURCES: B-W, CSU, Tri-C, Institute for Sustainable Business Practice
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The Collegiate Sustainable Practices Consortium (CSPC) brought together six local colleges and universities to talk about best practices regarding energy, water, food, building and other areas of sustainability. Led by David Kruger, director of Baldwin-Wallace's Institute for Sustainable Business Practice (ISBP), the group included B-W, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, John Carroll and Oberlin.
Kruger noted in a summary of the consortium that "with its highly industrialized, manufacturing base, [our region] carries a long legacy of sustainability-related challenges: slowly declining employment in several economic sectors; a large environmental and carbon footprint from our manufacturing base; continued population decline in our urban core and in our region at large; and an aging infrastructure."
A recently released report shows what some local higher learning institutions have implemented regarding sustainability:
Baldwin Wallace's Ernthausen Residence Hall became the first residence hall in Ohio to have a geothermal heating and cooling system. . B-W has gone so far in its green initiatives to remove light bulbs from vending machine to conserve energy.
Cleveland State University has been investing in efficient lighting, solar power, mechanical upgrades and recycling programs. The school has been promoting student involvement in its sustainability efforts.
Cuyahoga Community College has six commissioned projects aiming aim for LEED Silver Certification. Tri-C has also developed its own customized green building standards for new construction and renovation projects.
SOURCES: B-W, CSU, Tri-C, Institute for Sustainable Business Practice
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
When the team at the Lighting Innovations Institute at John Carroll University gets an idea, it's not always the proverbial light bulb that goes on above their heads. More than likely, it's a state-of-the-art light that will make a difference in industry and everyday life.
The Lighting Innovations Institute accepts projects that, according to its website, "involve novel ideas and offer a challenge." Led by veterans in research and development in Northeast Ohio, the institute is currently developing projects for such distinguished customers as NASA and the FAA.
"We're focusing on two key areas," says Richard Hansler, director of the institute and a retired GE Lighting research physicist. One of these is lighting for airport runways. Landing lights that allow pilots to see if they are in proper alignment with the runway already exist, but the Lighting Innovations Institute is developing a lighting system that is more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
The other key area of development is in blocking out the blue spectrum of artificial light that interferes with optimum health. Hansler says that our bodies are built to withstand 12 hours of darkness, not the typical seven or eight hours most of us get. Artificial light prevents the body from making melatonin, a hormone that is believed to play a role in fighting cancer and obesity.
"I worked as a researcher at GE for over 40 years, and when I came here I realized that artificial light is unhealthy," Hansler says. The institute has produced eyeglasses and light bulbs that block blue light; these are sold through a spin-off company, Phototonic Developments LLC.
The Lighting Innovations Institute receives funding from the companies it contracts with to develop products. The institute has a small full-time staff but hires students part-time when funds are available, according to Hansler.
SOURCE: Richard Hansler
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The Lighting Innovations Institute accepts projects that, according to its website, "involve novel ideas and offer a challenge." Led by veterans in research and development in Northeast Ohio, the institute is currently developing projects for such distinguished customers as NASA and the FAA.
"We're focusing on two key areas," says Richard Hansler, director of the institute and a retired GE Lighting research physicist. One of these is lighting for airport runways. Landing lights that allow pilots to see if they are in proper alignment with the runway already exist, but the Lighting Innovations Institute is developing a lighting system that is more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
The other key area of development is in blocking out the blue spectrum of artificial light that interferes with optimum health. Hansler says that our bodies are built to withstand 12 hours of darkness, not the typical seven or eight hours most of us get. Artificial light prevents the body from making melatonin, a hormone that is believed to play a role in fighting cancer and obesity.
"I worked as a researcher at GE for over 40 years, and when I came here I realized that artificial light is unhealthy," Hansler says. The institute has produced eyeglasses and light bulbs that block blue light; these are sold through a spin-off company, Phototonic Developments LLC.
The Lighting Innovations Institute receives funding from the companies it contracts with to develop products. The institute has a small full-time staff but hires students part-time when funds are available, according to Hansler.
SOURCE: Richard Hansler
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Part internship, part scholarship, part co-op: The New Pathway program recently launched by Cleveland State University paves the way for students to earn funds for college while teaming up with a local company that may become their employer upon graduation.
New Pathway is part of CSU's "Engaged Learning" endeavor, which seeks to create hands-on approaches toward education and career development. A major goal of New Pathway is to engage area employers in the educational and career-transition processes.
Students who take part in the New Pathway program connect with local businesses or organizations that sponsor students for internships and help them transition to permanent employees upon graduation. While doing so, students earn funds for their tuition.
CSU President Ronald Berkman says that New Pathway creates a win-win situation by helping students pay for school and develop careers while helping employers nurture talented individuals. Dennis Lafferty, whose resume includes 14 years as vice president for government and community affairs for the Greater Cleveland Partnership, serves as executive-in-residence of New Pathway.
The new CSU program has the potential to impact many students while driving the local economy. At this early stage, CSU has no hard numbers regarding students who could be involved or the number of jobs that could translate into, according to Joe Mosbrook, director of strategic communications for CSU.
SOURCE: CSU
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
New Pathway is part of CSU's "Engaged Learning" endeavor, which seeks to create hands-on approaches toward education and career development. A major goal of New Pathway is to engage area employers in the educational and career-transition processes.
Students who take part in the New Pathway program connect with local businesses or organizations that sponsor students for internships and help them transition to permanent employees upon graduation. While doing so, students earn funds for their tuition.
CSU President Ronald Berkman says that New Pathway creates a win-win situation by helping students pay for school and develop careers while helping employers nurture talented individuals. Dennis Lafferty, whose resume includes 14 years as vice president for government and community affairs for the Greater Cleveland Partnership, serves as executive-in-residence of New Pathway.
The new CSU program has the potential to impact many students while driving the local economy. At this early stage, CSU has no hard numbers regarding students who could be involved or the number of jobs that could translate into, according to Joe Mosbrook, director of strategic communications for CSU.
SOURCE: CSU
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
President Obama came to Cleveland on Tuesday to hear what small business owners say they need to grow their businesses and thus strengthen the U.S. economy. But the President took the time to praise the region for its growth in biotechnology, sustainability and other innovations.
"Cleveland is a city founded on manufacturing," the President said during his closing remarks on the Winning the Future Forum on Small Business, held at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, which this writer attended.
"A lot of people wrote off Cleveland as a shell of what it used to be, but you knew different," the President said to the small business owners and entrepreneurs who had been selected to attend the forum.
The President talked about the united effort of local universities, hospitals and entrepreneurs to advance innovations in biotechnology and clean energy. "They've made Cleveland a global leader in both fields," the President added.
Cleveland's ability to reinvent itself, the President noted, can be an inspiration for other areas of the country, as well as the United States in general. "How will America reinvent itself?" the President asked the audience.
Obama also pointed out the success of several long-standing businesses in Cleveland, including Miceli Dairy Products, which has operated a facility on E. 90th Street since 1949. Miceli's received a $5.5 million SBA loan to build a new factory and expand its production, according to the President. "This will double the output of ricotta cheese and add 60 workers," said Obama, joking that he'd like some cheese samples once the expansion project is complete.
SOURCE: President Obama
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"Cleveland is a city founded on manufacturing," the President said during his closing remarks on the Winning the Future Forum on Small Business, held at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, which this writer attended.
"A lot of people wrote off Cleveland as a shell of what it used to be, but you knew different," the President said to the small business owners and entrepreneurs who had been selected to attend the forum.
The President talked about the united effort of local universities, hospitals and entrepreneurs to advance innovations in biotechnology and clean energy. "They've made Cleveland a global leader in both fields," the President added.
Cleveland's ability to reinvent itself, the President noted, can be an inspiration for other areas of the country, as well as the United States in general. "How will America reinvent itself?" the President asked the audience.
Obama also pointed out the success of several long-standing businesses in Cleveland, including Miceli Dairy Products, which has operated a facility on E. 90th Street since 1949. Miceli's received a $5.5 million SBA loan to build a new factory and expand its production, according to the President. "This will double the output of ricotta cheese and add 60 workers," said Obama, joking that he'd like some cheese samples once the expansion project is complete.
SOURCE: President Obama
WRITER: Diane DiPiero