Classroom Champions Sets Deadline To Apply for Free Videoconferencing Program -- THE Journal

Funding, Grants and Awards

Classroom Champions Sets Deadline To Apply for Free Videoconferencing Program

By Tim Sohn
04/10/12

Classroom Champions, a free program that brings Olympian and Paralympian mentors to students in high-need K-8 schools through videoconferencing technology, is accepting applications until April 13.

The program is run by a nonprofit organization that was founded by Steve Mesler, a 2010 Olympic gold medalist, with the idea that getting students engaged with Olympians would inspire them to do great things while learning about digital technology.

Teachers of grades K-8 qualify to apply to the program; however, at least 50 percent of students must be eligible for reduced-price or free lunch.

Winning schools will receive for the span of next school year:

Access to an athlete ambassador Olympian, who will provide recorded videos, live video chats, and written blogs;
High-definition video camera and videoconferencing equipment using Cisco Telepresence to communicate with the Olympian;
Supporting lessons on goal setting, Internet research, math, technology, geography, reading, and writing; and
A chance for teachers to network with other participating schools.

Also as part of the program, teachers will incorporate Olympic and athlete ambassador ideals into their curriculum, and students will send letters, videos, and photos to their Olympians.

Athlete ambassadors for this year are Sue Bird, Jerome Singeton Jr., Kim Vandenberg, David Oliver, Mary Allison Milford, Giddeon Massie, and Natalie Burgener.

Sponsors of the program include Cisco, Clover Web Sites, Crescent Point Energy, eMag Creator, Lululemon, and Platronics. The program accepts donations.

Olympians who would like to participate in next year's program can send an e-mail to Classroom Champions.

Teachers can apply for the program at classroomchampions.org/apply. Applications received by April 13 will be reviewed, and those that seem to be a good match for the program will be selected to complete the second round of the application process in April. Winners of the program will be notified in May.

For more information, visit classroomchampions.org.

About the Author

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @editortim.

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.
Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.
4 Ways Schools Are Using Google AI Tools for Teaching, Learning, and Administration

In a recent blog post, Google shared an array of education customer stories, showcasing ways schools and districts are using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to transform both learning and administrative tasks.
Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.