Press Release

November 15, 2010

National Girls Collaborative Project Collaboration Award Recipients

NGCP advances knowledge and understanding by using the collaborative model to transform the way practitioners and educators work in regards to girls and women in STEM. Not only does the NGCP model increase the quality of STEM programming through dissemination of and training on research-based strategies, it also strengthens capacity of practitioners by leveraging existing resources and facilitating collaboration among diverse entities.

In recognition of our first Collaboration Conference, held in Washington DC on October 21 and 22, 2010, NGCP project leadership created the Collaboration Awards to celebrate and bring attention to the important work of special individuals and organizations that live and breathe collaboration to achieve their vision.

Outstanding Individual: Kate Pickle, National Program Manager, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Girl Scouts of the USA

Kate L. Pickle, National Program Manager, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) in New York, New York, is responsible for advancing the organization's efforts in STEM through collaborations, resource development, training, and grant management. Kate serves on the NGCP National Champions Board and has proven to be an invaluable resource for the project. She is a natural collaborator, making connections for GSUSA with a variety of organizations and individuals that complement the work of GSUSA, and always connecting NGCP to others when relevant. Kate is always thinking about how to leverage existing resources, how to fill gaps in services without duplication of efforts, and how to work together for the greater advancement of girls in STEM with a generous, non-competitive spirit.

Outstanding Organization: Motorola Foundation, Accepted by Karen Tandy, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs

The Motorola Foundation has created the Innovation Generation grants program, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, especially for girls and underrepresented groups. Innovation Generation funding is designed to inspire students to learn about science and generate interest in science-related careers. Now in its fourth year, the program builds on President Barack Obama's "Educate to Innovate" campaign and federal initiatives like the Race to the Top Fund by incorporating funding, employee volunteers and intra-grantee collaboration to help boost American students' engagement in STEM.

The Innovation Generation network provides an unparalleled opportunity to leverage a national system of peers eager to advance U.S. STEM education. To extend the impact of funding, Motorola employee volunteers are matched with Innovation Generation grantees to build strong relationships that bring unique expertise into the communities where Motorola employees live and work. The Motorola Foundation's application guidelines inspire organizations to collaborate to create something that leverages the strengths of each partner while delivering innovative programs.

Contact: Chief Executive Officer, EdLab Group, 425.977.4750