Tag Archives: Education

8th Annual Bilingual Diabetes Conference: Por Tu Familia

By North SA Chamber Editor
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ADA_Por Tu FamiliaSaturday, Sept. 27, the American Diabetes Association will host the 8th Annual Por Tu Familia Conferencia, sponsored by H-E-B. This FREE event includes activities such as: interactive bilingual educational workshops presented by physicians, nurses and diabetes educators, health information and resources for the whole family, free health screenings, cooking demonstrations by HEB, and giveaways and prizes.

Over 29 million adults and children in the United.States.are living with diabetes and an additional 86 million have pre-diabetes. If current trends continue, one in three children will face a future with diabetes. People with diabetes can take steps to manage the disease and lower the risk of its deadly complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is critical. Unfortunately, many people living with diabetes do not even know it. Coverage of this important event is essential in educating the San Antonio population about local programs and events, advocacy activities and research being conducted in your community. Staff will be on hand to interview in English and Spanish.

For more information about diabetes or Por Tu Familia Conferencia, call (210) 829-1765 ext. 6129, or visit diabetes.org/portufamiliasatx. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

What: American Diabetes Association 8th Annual Por Tu Familia Conferencia
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 8:00am-2:00pm
Where: The Neighborhood Place – 3014 Rivas St., San Antonio, TX 78228

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Local Child Protective Services kids get school supply boost from KENS 5, Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store

By North SA Chamber Editor
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generations fcu logokens5com-logo-310Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store will partner with CBS affiliate KENS 5 to collect school supplies for the approximately 7,000 Bexar County children who are under the care of Child Protective Services.

Individuals are encouraged to participate by bringing supplies to the KENS 5 studios during the week of August 4 through August 8, donating online at http://info.mygenfcu.org/bills-elves or dropping off supplies at any of the 14 Generations Federal Credit Union branches between July 23 and August 9.  The school supplies will be delivered to the CPS offices during the week of August 11 and case workers will distribute the collected supplies to the children.  Individuals who donate will receive a coupon for a free Kolache and a cup of Cibolo Mountain premium coffee from Corner Store.

“This school supply drive is a win-win for everyone involved.  It enables Generations to make a tangible difference in our community and it provides these students with the supplies they need to be successful during the school year.  Additionally, the families who take in these children receive little to no financial assistance from the State, so it provides us with the opportunity to help them out as they step up to the plate to help these kids,” said Generations FCU CEO, Steve Schipull.

Hosted by KENS 5 Chief Meteorologist, Bill Taylor, the bi-annual event collects school supplies in August and Christmas toys in December.  The KENS 5 studios are located at 5400 Fredericksburg Road and volunteers will be out in front of the studios at the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts during the week of August 4 through August 8.

“San Antonio has always been a community that comes together to take care of our own.  The Bill’s Elves initiative has been very successful year after year and we look forward to exceeding our goals and making a difference in the lives of these great kids,” concluded Schipull.

About Generations Federal Credit Union
For nearly 75 years, Generations Federal Credit Union has been an advocate of financial growth and development within the community, offering award-winning financial education classes, as well as products and services that truly make a difference.  Generations strives to be a trusted advisor, offering personal attention that provides members with the financial skills they need to be successful.  Their tailored approach to banking enables them to deliver personalized service for both businesses and consumers.

 

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo commits $11.8 million to educating Texas youth

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SA RodeoThe San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.), a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas, has built a reputation for being one of the largest family-friendly events in the state featuring livestock and horse shows, interactive exhibits and shows, PRCA Rodeo action, carnival and live entertainment. Additionally, S.A.L.E. has a direct influence on the lives of thousands of individuals pursuing a higher education.

IMG_7357aThis year, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (dba the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo) has committed $11.8 million to educate Texas youth. This amount represents scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, a youth western art auction, calf scramble program, and show premiums paid to the youth of Texas. This year’s total giving represents a record commitment, topping 2013’s $11.3 million by over a half million dollars. This brings the total amount the organization has committed since inception to $147.9 million. Keith Martin, Executive Director and CEO, made the announcement during the organization’s annual membership meeting, May 13th at the Expo Hall of the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center grounds in San Antonio, Texas.

Keith Martin commented, “We owe the show’s continued success to the support and efforts of over 6,000 S.A.L.E. volunteers. Their contributions of time, energy and skills make it possible to give so much back to the youth of Texas. And that’s what we are about, transforming lives, giving these kids an opportunity to improve their futures and the generations to come.”

S.A.L.E. has a rich tradition and history of stewardship to the community and the agriculture industry. With a clear vision of the future, a successful past and continual dedication from over 6,000 volunteers, S.A.L.E. will continue to provide wholesome family entertainment and be a pillar of strength and support to the youth of Texas.

The 2015 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will be held February 12th – March 1st at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center grounds.

For additional information, go to www.sarodeo.com or call 210-225-0612. Don’t forget to connect with us on our social channels – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube!

 

Sunshine Cottage helps hearing impaired children live successful, self-reliant life

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Sunshine Cottage logoImagine not being able to hear. No birdsongs or music from the radio, no family chatter or television news.

Now imagine you are a baby and you can’t tell anyone.

Today more than ever before children with hearing impairment can enjoy the same opportunities as their hearing friends. Early intervention is the key that opens this door for them.

Sunshine Cottage DSC_0038At Sunshine Cottage our staff and parents work together as a team to support the children we serve.  We expect our parents to work hard to teach their babies to listen and talk. Parent advisors in our Parent-Infant Program coach and educate parents to interact with their baby, to operate and care for the hearing technology their baby uses, and to understand the challenges and joys of parenthood.

Sunshine Cottage DSC_0054At Sunshine Cottage, we believe that if given the opportunity, children with hearing impairment can learn to speak and live a successful, self-reliant life. Our auditory-oral school uses a teaching approach  based on the belief that most hearing-impaired children can develop the ability to listen and talk if their education begins early and they learn to maximize the use of their residual hearing.

As little as 25 years ago it would have been considered a miracle for a child who was profoundly deaf or hard of hearing to learn how to listen and speak well; to hear a whisper; to sing a song; or to play a musical instrument. 25 years ago, it would have been very difficult to integrate a child who was deaf or hard of hearing into the mainstream education environment together with their hearing peers.

Sunshine Cottage DSC_0109Today, all that has changed, and what was previously considered a miracle is now a reality. Through early diagnosis and early intervention, the use of digital hearing aids and cochlear implants and, with the dedication of parents and the staff of Auditory Oral Schools, children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn to hear and speak on an equal basis with their hearing peers. It is now possible for the majority of children with hearing loss to achieve an age appropriate learning level, and be fully integrated into the mainstream education system by the time they reach Kindergarten or First Grade.

Annually Sunshine Cottage serves 520 children from birth through high school. 38% of the families we serve have incomes below $35,000. Half of our population would qualify for free or reduced lunch if attending public school.  A diverse group, our children are 4% African American, 2% Asian, 53% Hispanic, 33% Caucasian, and 8% other. While most of our students are deaf or hard of hearing, our elementary school also accepts students with normal hearing. Students representing 9 counties and 17 school districts in the San Antonio area attend Sunshine Cottage.

Firstmark Credit Union Supports San Antonio’s “Go Public” Campaign

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firstmark_FCU_logoFirstmark Credit Union, a leading San Antonio financial institution, announced that is has made a financial contribution in support of the “Go Public” Campaign. The public relations campaign is dedicated to promote positive awareness around Bexar County’s independent public districts.

“We have a proud history of serving the needs of the education community in Bexar County over the last 80 years,” said Leon Ewing, Chief Executive Officer and President. “This campaign will help highlight the many positive accomplishments our teachers, support personnel, administration, and most importantly, students strive for on a daily basis” Ewing added.

Led by Bexar County’s 15 Independent School Districts and co-chaired by Josue Robles, CEO of USAA, Kim Bowers, CEO of CST Brands, and Chris Nielsen, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, “Go Public” is inspiring people across the region to take a step back and celebrate the positive and sustained impact public schools make on all residents.

“Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. is proud to join community partners like FirstMark in this important community initiative, said Chris Nielsen, President of Toyota Manufacturing Texas. “Together, we support San Antonio’s educators, parents and most importantly, students. Public schools are vital to the continued success of our workforce industry.”

Ewing will also serve as a fundraising Co-Chair for Go Public.

“Firstmark was founded by small group of teachers and administrators from the San Antonio Independent School District,” said Ewing. “We proudly have taken the “Love Your Bexar County Public Schools” pledge,” Ewing added.

About Firstmark Credit Union
Firstmark Credit Union provides financial services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Bexar County, as well as education-related employees in Bexar County and the 11 surrounding counties; and their relatives. Established in 1932, the Credit Union has 13 locations serving over 93,000 members and manages $820 million in assets. For more information, go to www.firstmarkcu.org

CPS Energy and San Antonio EDF Honored for “Visionary” New Energy Economy Initiative

By North SA Chamber Editor
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cps energy logoSAEDF_logoCPS Energy and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF) received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development award for the energy provider’s New Energy Economy initiative, an approach to clean energy that leverages CPS Energy’s buying power to create jobs, economic development and educational investment in San Antonio.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented the award at its annual conference in Philadelphia on October 8, calling the initiative “visionary”. IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The non-profit organization applauded CPS Energy’s commitment to protect the environment by diversifying its generation portfolio to include 20 percent renewable energy, investing in clean technologies and creating economic development opportunities in San Antonio.

“The Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize CPS Energy and San Antonio Economic Development Foundation as being two of the leading organizations in the industry for innovation, creativity and successful strategies,” said IEDC chair Paul Krutko. “These awards are meant to honor the organizations and individuals who are dedicated to making a positive change in their communities.”

“When we started the New Energy Economy, we knew it was the right thing to do for the community. It drives economic development and creates job opportunities for our customers,” said Shawn Eddy, senior director of enterprise facilities and asset management. “As for education, we have always been on the leading edge of mentoring programs and support for local schools. With one-third of our employees eligible for retirement within five years, it is good business sense to invest heavily into science, technology, engineering and math to solidify a pipeline for the next generation of CPS Energy employees.”

CPS Energy launched the New Energy Economy in June 2011 by building partnerships with companies dedicated to turning innovation into economic development. SAEDF assisted in the effort to attract the partners and their suppliers to San Antonio. In two short years, it’s been praised by others as new local headquarters, offices, or plants for seven clean technology companies have either opened or are under construction, including:

  • OCI Solar Power – consortium with three partners (Nexolon, ERCAM, and Kaco) committed to creating 800-plus,      long-term jobs and $1 billion in economic development as part of a 400 megawatt solar energy deal; headquarters opened in downtown San Antonio in      Spring 2013.
    • Nexolon America – constructing solar panel manufacturing plant in south San Antonio; headquarters opened in Spring 2013; nominated for designation as a State Enterprise Project.
    • ERCAM Trackers – manufacturing dual-axis trackers for solar facilities; opened office near east San Antonio in 2013.
    • Kaco New Energy – manufacturing inverters for solar facilities; opened office near east San Antonio in 2013.
  • GreenStar LED – opened LED manufacturing plant in northwest San Antonio in 2012; created nearly 40 jobs.
  • Consert – opened local office in northeast San Antonio in 2012; created nearly 70 local and out-of-area jobs.
  • Silver Spring Networks – opening local office in San Antonio in late 2013; committed to creating 40 jobs.

The New Energy Economy will spur the creation of more than 1,000 jobs by 2018, with roughly 250 jobs already in existence, and pour millions of dollars into local education. Several educational institutions or groups have already received a total of more than one million dollars.

For more information about the initiative, visit cpsenergy.com.

CPS Energy is the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas and electric company, providing service to 741,000 electric and 331,000 natural gas customers in the Greater San Antonio area. The company offers the lowest rates among the top 10 largest U.S. cities, while ranking number one in wind-energy capacity among municipally owned energy systems and number one in Texas for solar generation. For more information, visit www.cpsenergy.com.

SER Jobs for Progress of San Antonio provides education, training, job development and placement

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SERlogoSER Jobs for Progress of San Antonio is a community based non-profit organization that has been providing education, training, job development and job placement services in Bexar County for over 40 years. Since 1998, SER has successfully operated the One-Stop Workforce Career Centers in the San Antonio area. SER has been recognized as one of the top performing workforce contractors in the State of Texas during this period by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Through the operation of the career centers, SER provides workforce development services to job seekers as well as businesses. SER provides these services to thousands of job seekers and businesses each year. Job seekers have access to numerous resources in the career centers to include computer resource labs, job leads, General Information Sessions, Getting Started and Job Readiness classes, labor market information, staff support and more. Businesses can utilize career center recruiting areas, interview rooms, classrooms, labor market information, staff support from Business Services Representatives among other available resources. All of these resources are provided for the purpose of identifying, preparing and matching job seekers to meet the needs and requirements of the businesses for their mutual benefit.

SER recognizes that their primary customer is the business community in Bexar County. Their strategy is to identify businesses that are in growth industries and those that offer good career opportunities to individuals. By finding and working with these businesses, SER will also satisfy the needs of the job seekers that access their career center services.

SER has a team of Business Services Representatives (BSR) that is responsible for outreaching to businesses to make them aware of the services, programs and resources that are available to them.

These BSR’s meet with businesses to gain an understanding of their workforce related needs and then develop customized solutions utilizing available programs and services.

Following are some of the key services that are provided to businesses by SER:

  1. Assistance with the use of workintexas.com. This is the State of Texas developed and sponsored job search and matching system.
  2. Recruiting assistance. This includes individual and group job fairs, identifying and screening of candidates, promotion of hiring needs and more.
  3. On-the-Job Training program. This program provides a wage subsidy, up to 90%, to a business when they hire and train designated job seekers.
  4. Labor Market Information. Wage and other employment related data by area, industry, occupation and other criteria.
  5. Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. This program provides businesses with up to $9600 tax credit when they hire from designated job seeker groups such as Disabled Veterans.
  6. Skills for Small Businesses. This program provides businesses, with fewer than 100 employees, with up to $1450, per employee, to upgrade the skills of new workers.

There are no fees for these services as they are funded through the payroll taxes that are paid by local businesses. These workforce programs and services represent dollars being returned to the community for use by businesses and residents in the community.

SER has a very experienced group of BSR’s who possess an excellent understanding of workforce programs and services. They are able to develop solutions for businesses that help them address and resolve their workforce related issues. When working with businesses, the BSR’s are able to act as and become part of that organization. The SER Business Services team is ready and available to work with any business, small, medium or large.

SER believes that a skilled workforce gives local businesses a competitive advantage which, in turn, generates positive outcomes for the business, the worker and the community at large. If you have interest in learning more about the programs and services that are provided by SER, please contact the Business Services Group at 210-438-0586.

TMI celebrates 120 years of service and success

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TMI 120 logo COLOROn Aug. 23, students and faculty of TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas went back to school for the 120th time, starting the year with a traditional, university-style Convocation, including an academic procession in which all instructors and administrators participate.

“We all think about our teachers,” said Headmaster John W. Cooper, Ph.D., in his welcome address. “As you reflect on your teachers, now and later, you will remember the ones who made a difference in your lives, how much they gave you and how important that was to you.”

Convocation in All Saints Chapel was followed by another TMI tradition, “The Greeting.” Each year on the first day of school since the mid-1990s, the entire student body shakes hands with all faculty and staff members – more than 100 adults who line up to welcome new and returning students.

TMI 1890s cadetsFounded by the Rt. Rev. James S. Johnston, first bishop of the independent Diocese of West Texas, TMI opened Oct. 3, 1893, with 12 students in primary through high-school grades. By the end of that first year, that number had quadrupled, and the school was on its way to becoming one of the most popular and respected in San Antonio and the larger South Texas region.

Distinguished alumni include U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, banker/philanthropist Tom C. Frost Jr., rancher Richard M. “Tres” Kleberg, McCombs Foundation Vice President Connie McCombs McNab, historic preservationist Dru Van Steenberg and many other men and women who have pursued impressive careers in business, the arts, medicine, academia and other disciplines.

Originally an all-boys, all-military school, TMI admitted girls to its summer program from the 1940s onward, welcomed its first 11 female full-time students in 1972 and is now fully coeducational.

TMI Falon LittleTMI’s Corps of Cadets became co-ed in 1974 and optional in 1976; the award-winning Army JROTC unit recently was recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinction – the highest designation possible – for the 20th year in a row. The Corps’ current battalion commander, who is the highest-ranking student officer, is Falon Little, the third female “BC” in TMI’s history.

This year, the flagship and only high school of the diocese has a record-high enrollment of 469 students in grades six through 12. While the school was founded as and still is an Episcopal church school, TMI welcomes students of all faiths. All TMI students are required to perform community-service hours; last year, the student body performed a total of 11,533 hours of service, far exceeding the required number.

Throughout the 2013-2014 school year TMI will celebrate its 120th anniversary with the goal of performing “120 Acts of Service” as its signature observance, reaffirming the school’s commitment to educating servant leaders.

The mission of TMI is to provide an excellent educational community, with values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, challenging motivated students to develop their full potential in service and leadership.

SACU and KENS TV recognize 19 teachers with the 14th annual ExCEL Awards program

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SACU logoSACU and KENS5 recognized 19 teachers for excellence in the public school classroom during the 14th year of ExCEL Awards program for the 2012-2013 school year. Winners selected by their districts represent the best teachers in our schools and, through this program, share their best practices with other educators.

SACU and KENS leaders hosted the winners, their principals and superintendents and their guests at an end-of-year banquet to celebrate the teachers’ successes. Paul Garro, CEO of City Year San Antonio, was the keynote speaker.

“SACU and KENS5 know that a great teacher can impact and inspire students to achieve much more than they dreamed possible,” Laura Johnston, SACU Chief Marketing Officer, said. “We can’t imagine a better way to impact education than to recognize great teachers and help them share the ways they are being highly effective in their classrooms.”

You can see the winners together on KENS5’s Great Day SA in August 2013, to announce the 15th year of ExCEL which resumes in September. Each winner also has an individual web page at sacu.com/ExCEL. On KENS5.com, view the winners’ videos or recognize your favorite teacher with a story and a photo.

Since 1999, the ExCEL program has recognized 266 teachers with awards totaling $269,800. ExCEL celebrates dedicated teachers with a trophy, a check for $1,000 and featured airtime on Eyewitness News at 6. By recognizing exceptional teachers, these educators can share their innovative techniques and others will be able to learn from their examples. Teachers win through collaboration, students win through quality education, and society wins as education improves.

SACU is a $2.9 billion credit union, with 16 locations in San Antonio and one in Houston. As a member-owned financial institution, SACU provides a wide array of convenient services to members through GOTM, the mobile app from SACU, and numerous online services. Members benefit through competitive savings and loan rates and reasonably priced financial services. There are hundreds of ways to qualify for membership at SACU. Visit sacu.com, or call 210-258-1234 or 1-800-688-SACU (7228) for information.

Free Trade Alliance Recognizes Students that Compete and Collaborate Globally

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FTA logo colorThe Free Trade Alliance Education Foundation hosted the awards ceremony luncheon for its 4th annual International Business Plan Program on Saturday, April 13, within the Rackspace Corporate Headquarters. Students from 23 countries and 30 universities came together to learn how their international business plan measured up in a field of over 140 globally minded students. Winners receive their share of the more than $20,000 prize fund. The four finalist teams from the graduate and undergraduate categories present to high level executives just before the luncheon. These tough and experienced celebrity finalist judges included: Preston Atkinson (Whataburger), Kirstin Silberschlag (Valero Companies), Jane Macon (Fulbright & Jaworski) Maria Lulu Sobrino (Lulu’s Dessert Corp.), Aracely Garcia-Granados (MATT Foundation), Paul Duran (GreenStar LED Products, Inc.) and Bjorn Dybdahl (Bjorn’s Audio Video).

The Alliance began the International Business Plan Program as a way to help students develop the skills to compete and collaborate globally, develop their global network, and foster international relationships and understanding. Kyle Burns, Free Trade Alliance President & CEO, stated that “Through the program, students work on cross cultural teams of 4-5 students with an executive level mentor in writing a 10-12 page business plan. This is the only program of its kind that brings students from around the world together on a cross-cultural team. Adding to its relevance and importance in today’s global economy, many of the students and mentors never meet in person, simulating a multi-national work environment.”

Many of the projects are for companies that intend to implement the project, adding to the real world education the students receive. Each team has been mentored and judged by executives from companies such as Boeing, HEB, Port San Antonio, Holt Cat, Dixie Flag Mfg. Co, Rackspace and many more. “This program is a perfect example of bringing education and business together to develop future global leaders and prepare students for a multi-cultural workforce” said Peter Albarian, Director of the Education Foundation. “These students are learning well beyond the book and have gained tremendous practical experience in solving real business issues and communicating across cultures and time zones.” The success of the program has led it to grow in size and diversity for each of its four years. “Programs like this and others we provide continue and grow, thanks in part to support and sponsorship from companies like H-E-B and Rackspace.” said Albarian.

Program sponsors include H-E-B, Rackspace, NuStar Energy, Barton, East & Caldwell, Anne Marie’s Catering, Palo Alto College and the Instituto Cultural de Mexico.