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Arts Community Calls on Congress to Suport S.T.E.M. Learning in the Classrooms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2010
CONTACT: Dennis St. Rose
P: 212-512-8570
DStRose@TheCreativeCoalition.org
CONTACT: Courtney Cohen
P: 202-777-0677
ccohen@deweysquare.com
ARTS COMMUNITY CALLS ON CONGRESS TO SUPPORT S.T.E.M. LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOMS
Members of The Entertainment Community Tout National Lab Day on Capitol Hill - The Year-Long Initiative to Promote Innovation and Discovery for Students in STEM Classes
Washington, D.C. - Today members of The Creative Coalition partnered with National Lab Day (NLD) for a Congressional luncheon to bring attention to the need for student-learning through discovery and exploration, particularly in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office sponsored the event which was held at the Capitol Visitor's Center.
The Creative Coalition and The National Lab Day organization share a strong belief that learning - whether in the arts or in the technical fields - is best achieved through a hands-on approach. Investigation and examination leads to creativity and invention.
"The Creative Coalition is proud to collaborate with National Lab Day in sponsoring today's Congressional luncheon because the same tools used in drama and art classes can be applied in STEM education. We share a common goal to create a holistic learning environment in schools across the country," said Robin Bronk, The Creative Coalition CEO.
Today's luncheon is part of The Creative Coalition's Advocacy Day and featured Co-Presidents Tim Daly and Dana Delany as well as supporters, Tom Fontana, Steven Weber, Adrian Grenier, Patricia Arquette, Omar Epps, Marlon Wayans, Cheryl Hines, Richard Schiff, Wendie Malick, Gloria Reuben, CCH Pounder, and Barry Levinson.
"We are so pleased that The Creative Coalition has joined us in our efforts. Inquiry-based learning allows students to more fully develop problem-solving skills. These young minds are America's next generation of innovators and business leaders. We have an obligation to provide them with the most conducive environment to thrive," said National Lab Day President Jack Hidary. "We hope to build upon this partnership with The Creative Coalition as a way to get students engaged and excited about arts and science and call on Congress to help pave the way with funding and incentives for students."
National Lab Day is Wednesday, May 12th - but the concept is more than just one day. It is a year-round, nationwide effort to encourage collaboration with experts (scientists, engineers, architects, etc.) who currently work in those fields and the classrooms in which those concepts are being taught. National Lab day is working with more than 1,000 schools in all 50 states and building to 10,000 active, collaborative-projects around the country by the end of the year.
The Creative Coalition was founded in 1989 by progressive leaders of the entertainment community who were compelled to use their celebrity to advocate for more comprehensive funding for the arts. Recognizing the importance of arts education in schools, The Creative Coalition brings its members to Capitol Hill annually to better inform Congress of the essential nature of all types of arts education.
The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) is the premiere 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating and mobilizing its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, and arts advocacy, and is headquartered in New York City.
To learn more about National Lab Day, please visit: www.NationalLabDay.Org.
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