AV Astronomy Club "Youth Exploring Astronomy" Essay Contest 4/1/11

The 11th annual Antelope Valley Astronomy Club's "Youth Exploring Astronomy" essay contest is being held, with submissions due by no later than 1 April 2011.  Fifth through eighth grade students are invited to participate, writing a 500-word typed essay on one of four topics; winners will have the opportunity to interact with AV scientists and industry leaders, and have a "behind-the-scenes visit with senior science staff at the Pasadena Jet Propulsion Laboratory."  For more information and the application form, please contact Debora Pedroza at debora.pedroza@gmail.com  or (661) 609-3923.

Webinar on Cognitive Beliefs and Cultural Variables in STEM Career Development on 3/22/11

The STEM Equity Pipeline is offering a free webinar entitled "Cognitive Beliefs and Cultural Variables Matter in STEM Career Development" on 22 March 2011 at 9:00 a.m. PST.  Dr. Angela Byars-Winston from University of Wisconsin Madison will review data on under-represented STEM populations at the undergraduate level, as well as discuss social cognitive theory and examples of strategies to increase minority STEM interest.  For more information and to register for the webinar, visit https://www106.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001043798/Registration.aspx?pageName=548sl3k8d45t8bfr .

Edison Scholars Program Scholarship Applications Due By 3/15/11

Edison International is offering $2,500 scholarships to qualified graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing full-time studies majoring in math, physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, or computer science/information systems at an eligible four-year university or college, and who demonstrate financial need; preference is given to first-generation college students and those overcoming significant challenges.  Applications must be postmarked by no later than 15 March 2011.  For more information and requirements, see www.edison.com/edisonscholars.

UC Riverside Team Honored in Hydrogen Student Design Contest

Four chemical engineering majors and one business student from UC Riverside teamed up and entered the 6th annual Hydrogen Student Design Contest.  The students designed a home-based fuel cell that could power a car for 50 miles a day and have enough energy left over for 80% of an average family's electricity needs. The design was recognized in third place out of 54 international teams, and used photovoltaic panels and nickel or silver to split water into hydrogen and oxygen components.  http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_fuel17.274fe15.html

Free Energy Workshop for Teachers at CalPortland Cement 3/24/11

CalPortland Company, in conjunction with Women in Mining, is offering a free workshop for teachers on 24 March 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Mojave CalPortland location.  Teachers will not only learn the difference between cement and concrete, but will also tour the site, which includes large wind turbines providing renewable power to the location, and receive free energy curriculum and dinner.  Only 20 spots are open, so register early by calling (760) 245-1661 ext 6101 or email Christie Robinson, MEEC Program Specialist at: christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov .  For more details, visit http://www.meeconline.com/ .

ASEE K-12 Workshop on Engineering Education in Vancouver, BC 6/25/11

The American Society for Engineering Education is sponsoring a day-long pre-convention workshop on 25 June 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, presented by Dassault Systemes, entitled "Collaboration Can Improve Engineering Education."  It "will provide a fast-paced, interactive, results-oriented overview of engineering education for the K-12 classroom.  Attendees will discover valuable best practices, new contacts for collaboration, and the latest take-away tools for effective teaching about engineering education."  On-line registration begins 1 April and is complimentary for teachers until 10 June ($25 thereafter).  For more information about the workshop, view http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/2011-workshop-overview/.

Proposals for the workshop (requesting highly interactive, hands-on activities, with take-home materials) are being accepted until 18 March 2011 at 2:00 p.m. PST.  Visit http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/category/workshop/workshop-call-for-proposals/ for more details.

So Cal Aviation Mentoring Program Fund-raiser at LPAC on 4/10/11

The Southern California Aviation Mentoring Program, through AV Partners for Health, is presenting a benefit concert by The Folk Collection on 10 April 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.  Funds will go towards the youth mentoring program which "is dedicated to teaching youth math, science and engineering through practical applications of building and flying aircraft."  For more details, see http://www.avscamp.org/ .  For further information on the fundraiser, call Nancy at 661.942.4719 x 461.

AV Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Applications Due 5/13/11

The Antelope Valley Society of Women Engineers is offering a $500 scholarship to a high school senior or transferring college student who will be matriculating at an ABET-accredited engineering program or computer science program.  Completed applications from AV residents, including transcript/s, essay, and letter/s of recommendation, are due by no later than Friday, 13 May 2011.  For more details and application instructions, view the document at http://www.scribd.com/doc/48960306. 

"Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists" Webinar on 3/10/11

Jean Lim Terra, President of the Amgen Foundation, and Chancellor Robert Birgeneau of UC Berkeley, will present during a free webinar on the subject of "Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists" on 10 March 2011 at 11:00 a.m. PST.  They will discuss the Amgen Scholars program and other initiatives partnering business and education "that are deepening scientific literacy and successfully engaging students to pursue degrees in the sciences."  To register for the event, visit https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=284370&sessionid=1&key=6DFE67FEEAEF0B77666D41F0A82B3DB1&sourcepage=register

Samsung Techwin America's Digital Preparedness Grant Program Applications Due 4/30/11

Fifty Samsung SAMCAM 860 digital presenters will be awarded to U.S. teachers through its Techwin America Electronic Imaging Division.  "Applicants must detail their need and answer the question:  Will new technology in the classroom better prepare our students?"  The deadline for applications is 30 April 2011.  http://www.samsunggrants.com/