Select WED DC Events include:

April 22: Earth Day on the National Mall
May 24: SEU/OPC Education Forum
June 2: Empowerhouse Energy Efficiency Workshops and Solar Home Tour
June 3-4: WED Fair & Expo
June 3 at the Fair: Earth Force Youth Summit
June 4: Student Environmental Workshop with Dr. Mae Jemison and International Children’s Painting Competition Awards Ceremony
June 5: Panel Discussion on Achieving Global Transformation for Sustainable Cities with UNEP, USGBC and World Business Council
June 6: Press Conference and release of UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook report
Ongoing: DC School Assemblies Presenting Energy Efficiency and Renewable Activities

INTERVIEW OPPS: Allen Burriss, WED DC Host Committee Chair and CEO, Earth’s Natural Force  Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP’s Regional Office for North America  Sharon Cooke, Chief, Office of Community Relations, DDOE

WHEN: April 22, 2012 through June 5, 2012

BACKGROUND: World Environment Day, established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1972 and celebrated annually on June 5, is a global event that raises awareness about the environment in an effort to galvanize political attention and action. With thousands of events in the UN’s six global regions, World Environment Day is considered one of the largest environmental events of its kind. To learn more, visit: http://www.unep.org/wed/

CONTACT:
Matt Forke, (202) 248-5484, moc.mmocnavnull@ekrofm
Elisabeth Guillbaud-Cox, (202) 974-1307, gro.penunull@xoc-duabliug.htebasile

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will present Lauper with an award for her work on behalf of homeless LGBT youth through her foundation, the True Colors Fund. Together with SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde and Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration on Children, Youth and Families George Sheldon, they will honor youth from across the country who have overcome trauma, as well as their Heroes of Hope—family members, providers, and the community members—who have helped them. Joint Surgeon of the National Guard Bureau Major General Joseph K. Martin, Jr., will be among the dignitaries at the event.

Emmy Award-winning news anchor Leon Harris from ABC-7/WJLA-TV will emcee the tribute. The program will feature stories of resilience from youth across the country and performances in tribute to their Heroes of Hope, the caring adults that have helped enhance their resilience following traumatic experiences. Preceding the event, there will be a reception sponsored by the Child Mind Institute, featuring an art exhibit with artwork from students across the country sponsored by the American Art Therapy Association.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is SAMHSA’s annual observance of the importance of caring for every child’s mental health. More than 130 public and private organizations and more than 1,100 communities across the country will participate in local events and activities in celebration of Awareness Day.

WHAT:  SAMHSA presents National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2012:
Heroes of Hope

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 9, 2012 5–7 p.m., Art Exhibit and Reception 7:30–9:30 p.m., Heroes of Hope Tribute

WHERE: George Washington Lisner Auditorium  730 21st Street, NW  Washington, D.C. 20052 Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Orange and Blue Lines)

TICKETS: The event is free and open to the public; visit www.awarenessevent.org to reserve your tickets.

MEDIA: To attend the event or request an interview, please contact Rachael Siefert at (202) 248-5466.

For more information about Awareness Day and to view the list of collaborating organizations, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/children. Follow #HeroesofHope to join the conversation about National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on Twitter.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

CONTACT:
Rachael Siefert, (202) 248-5466
SAMHSA Press Office, (240) 276-2134

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The data, based on the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) sample that includes approximately 85 percent of the nation’s students, confirms what many education advocates have known all along: students of color are far more likely than other students to have the least experienced teachers, experience out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, and be tracked in lower level high school courses or attend schools where rigorous coursework is not offered. Additionally, for the first time, there is now concrete data on how female and male students of color fare when compared with other students in terms of exposure to rigorous curriculums, harsh discipline practices, and novice teachers.

CHSE is particularly concerned about the following CRDC survey findings:

• Only 29 percent of high-minority high schools offered Calculus, compared to 55 percent of schools with the lowest African American and Hispanic enrollment.
• African American students, particularly males, are far more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their peers. African American students make up only 18 percent of the students in the CRDC sample, but 35 percent of these students suspended and 39 percent are expelled.
• English language learners (ELL) were 6 percent of the CRDC high school enrollment sample but made up 12 percent of students retained.
• Teachers in high-minority schools were paid $2,251 less per year than their colleagues in other schools.

If our nation is to get serious about closing the achievement gap, we must build the public and political will to also address the opportunity gaps. Likewise, CHSE urges the Department of Education to leverage this data to aggressively enforce the law and investigate any districts where civil rights inequities may exist.

For more information about CHSE’s policy priorities, visit www.highschoolequity.org/plan-for-success, join the CHSE community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hsequity, or “follow” the conversation on Twitter, @hsequity or the hashtag #Plan4Success.

CHSE is a coalition of leading civil rights organizations representing communities of color that is focused on high school education reform. Members include the National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

CHSE is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

CONTACT:
Kirana Bammarito, moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk, (202) 248-5471

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In celebration of Vanguard’s silver anniversary, the Hispanic woman-owned full service agency revealed its new website, www.vancomm.com. Based on company-wide research and creative input, Vanguard staff designed the site to embody the company’s core values of innovation, passion, integrity and quality.

In reflecting on the past 25 years, Vanguard President Maria Rodriguez said, “The PR industry and the media landscape of today bear little resemblance to what they were 25 years ago. Yet the key to success in our industry remains unchanged. We need to know our audiences inside and out, so that we can craft messages that will resonate with them and select tools that will reach them. That’s the only way to ensure that our efforts break through the ever-increasing noise.”

Since its inception, the award-winning agency has worked on issues such as education; energy and environment; food and agriculture; health and wellness; mental health and substance use; and youth and family issues for many highly respected nonprofit and government organizations. Some of these organizations include the American Academy of Physician Assistants, American Psychological Association, Campaign for High School Equity, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Farm Aid, Galvin Electricity Initiative, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

To learn about Vanguard’s innovations and results for these clients and others through the years, visit www.vancomm.com/results.

For Vanguard news, insights and innovations, follow the firm’s InSites blog at www.vancomm.com/insites and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

CONTACT:
Rachael Siefert, 202-248-5466, moc.mmocnavnull@trefeisr

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The Campaign for High School Equity (CHSE), a coalition of leading civil rights and education advocacy organizations focused on high school reform, is deeply troubled by the bill’s deleterious impact on all struggling students, and in particular on students of color and Native students. Nearly half of African-American, Latino, Native, and Southeast Asian students fail to earn a high school diploma. Those that do are often not prepared for the challenges of college or entry into careers because they are unable to access and complete rigorous coursework while in high school. Coalition members are especially concerned about the bill’s failure to retain and improve accountability for student achievement and increase graduation rates.

As Congress moves forward with reauthorization, CHSE urges state and local policy makers, educators, and parents to insist on a strong and unapologetic focus on accountability for all schools, including high schools, and to ensure that ESEA strengthens academic performance goals, ensures interventions and supports for struggling students and schools, and prepares all young people for college and careers.

CHSE’s Plan for Success outlines several policies than can reverse the dropout crisis, close achievement gaps, and prepare all young people for success in life. We urge Congress to reject any measure that would erode ESEA’s mission, which is to ensure equal educational opportunity for all children. Since 1965, improving our nation’s schools has been a bipartisan endeavor. Education equity should not be a partisan matter. We urge all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to implement college and career-ready standards and to create public education systems where all students graduate from high school ready to succeed in a global economy.

For more information about CHSE’s policy priorities, visit www.highschoolequity.org/plan-for-success, join the CHSE community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hsequity, or “follow” the conversation on Twitter @hsequity and #Plan4Success.

CHSE is a coalition of leading civil rights organizations representing communities of color that is focused on high school education reform. Members include the National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

CHSE is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

CONTACT:
Kirana Bammarito, (202) 248-5471, moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

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La encuesta, realizada en Internet durante el mes de diciembre por Harris Interactive en representación de APA, contó con la participación de 566 adultos, de los cuales, un 93 por ciento se propuso cambiar su conducta este año. Esta encuesta fue una continuación del sondeo Stress in America™ de APA, y reveló que muchas personas en este país señalan la falta de fuerza de voluntad como obstáculo significativo para lograr sus propósitos.

Sin embargo, un informe complementario publicado por APA, asegura que se puede tener más fuerza de voluntad si se aprende a utilizarla con efectividad. What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control (“Lo que necesita saber acerca de la fuerza de voluntad: La ciencia psicológica del autocontrol”) analiza algunos de los estudios más destacados acerca de la naturaleza y las consecuencias de la capacidad del ser humano para ejercer el autocontrol. Los estudios sugieren que la fuerza de voluntad está vinculada a los resultados positivos de la vida como mejores calificaciones escolares, alta autoestima, mayor seguridad financiera y mejor salud física y mental. Aparentemente, la capacidad de autocontrol es persistente a lo largo de la vida: el estudio demuestra que las personas que poseen un mejor autocontrol en su niñez tienden a tener mejor autocontrol como adultos. Además, algunos estudios indican que al igual que el hacer ejercicios con regularidad fortalece los músculos, ejercer regularmente el autocontrol puede fortificar la fuerza de voluntad con el paso del tiempo.

“Se puede aprender y fortalecer el autocontrol”, aseguró Steven J. Breckler, PhD, psicólogo social y director ejecutivo del Consejo Administrativo de Ciencias de APA. “Por ejemplo, evitar las fuentes de tentación y planificar con anticipación son técnicas efectivas para mantener el autocontrol. Varios estudios revelan que ejercer la fuerza de voluntad en una situación podría disminuir la capacidad de autocontrol en situaciones subsiguientes. Por tanto, al igual que ocurre con el ejercicio físico, es más sensato no asumir demasiadas tareas a la vez. Debemos enfocarnos primeramente en un objetivo, fortalecer nuestra fuerza de voluntad, y luego trazar más metas con el tiempo”.

Según la encuesta, los objetivos más frecuentes para el 2012 se relacionaron con mejorar la salud (el 57 por ciento se propuso bajar de peso, el 50 por ciento se planteó la meta de consumir una dieta más sana, y el 41 por ciento decidió hacer ejercicios regularmente); o del estatus financiero (el 52 por ciento tomó la resolución de ahorrar más dinero, y el 37 por ciento saldar sus deudas). Sin embargo, en el caso de los adultos que tratan de lograr un cambio en su estilo de vida, la fuerza de voluntad es un factor primordial. La encuesta anual reveló que uno de cada cuatro participantes afirmó que la fuerza de voluntad (27 por ciento) o el tiempo (26 por ciento) les impidieron lograr el cambio que intentaban llevar a cabo. A pesar de las dificultades con la fuerza de voluntad, la mayoría de los participantes en la encuesta anual (71 por ciento) cree que la fuerza de voluntad puede adquirirse, lo cual constituye una buena noticia, pues los estudios psicológicos al respecto demuestran que tal afirmación es cierta.

“Es reconfortante saber que si bien los encuestados consideran la falta de fuerza de voluntad como un obstáculo en la búsqueda de una vida más sana, también creen que pueden adquirir las destrezas necesarias para cambiar sus estilos de vida”, añadió el psicólogo Norman Anderson, PhD, director ejecutivo y vicepresidente ejecutivo de APA. “Los estudios demuestran que proponerse determinados objetivos, así como darle seguimiento al progreso alcanzado y buscar la ayuda de la comunidad, pueden ser factores tremendamente efectivos para incrementar el autocontrol y disfrutar de una vida más sana”.

Los hallazgos de la encuesta respaldan las investigaciones psicológicas que indican que tener un plan para realizar cambios conductuales puede mejorar los resultados. Los adultos que afirmaron estar extremadamente o muy motivados para realizar un cambio de estilo de vida o de conducta, fueron significativamente más propensos a decir que estaban haciendo un trabajo excelente o muy bueno en fijarse objetivos claros (62 por ciento vs. 17 por ciento) que los encuestados con falta de motivación. Los más motivados reportaron un mejor seguimiento de sus progresos para alcanzar sus objetivos (57 por ciento vs. 14 por ciento); evitar personas, cosas o situaciones que conducen a tentaciones (44 por ciento vs. 24 por ciento); y posponer lo que deseaban a corto plazo para lograr objetivos en un plazo más prolongado (47 por ciento vs. 6 por ciento).

Para tener acceso al informe sobre la fuerza de voluntad y los resultados de la encuesta de seguimiento Stress in America, visite el sitio Web www.apa.org.

La encuesta “Stress in America” forma parte de la campaña de información pública de “Mind/Body Health” (Salud mental/corporal) de APA. Para obtener más información acerca del estrés y el estilo de vida y conducta, visite el sitio www.apa.org/helpcenter y lea el blog de la campaña, www.yourmindyourbody.org. También puede participar en el diálogo acerca del estrés en Twitter siguiendo @apahelpcenter y #stressAPA.

Metodología
La encuesta Stress in America™ fue realizada por Internet en los Estados Unidos por Harris Interactive, en representación de la Asociación Americana de Psicología, del 11 de agosto al 6 de septiembre del 2011, con la participación de 1.126 adultos mayores de 18 años residentes en los Estados Unidos. La encuesta de seguimiento Stress in America se realizó por Internet del 22 al 30 de diciembre del 2011, con la participación de 566 de los 1.226 adultos encuestados en el sondeo previo Stress in America. Los resultados se analizaron cuando resultó necesario según la edad, género, raza/etnicidad, nivel escolar, región e ingresos del núcleo familiar. Para leer la metodología en su totalidad, visite el sitio Web www.stressinamerica.org.

La Asociación Americana de Psicología (American Psychological Association, APA), radicada en Washington, D.C., es la principal organización científica y profesional que representa a la Psicología en los Estados Unidos, y la mayor asociación de psicólogos del mundo. La membrecía de APA está compuesta por más de 150.000 investigadores, educadores, psicólogos clínicos, asesores profesionales y estudiantes. La APA, a través de sus divisiones en 54 sub-campos de la Psicología, y sus afiliaciones con 60 asociaciones estatales, territoriales y provinciales de Canadá; trabaja para el logro del progreso de la Psicología como ciencia, como profesión, y como medio de fomentar el bienestar humano.

Harris Interactive es una de las firmas de estudios de mercado personalizados más importantes del mundo. Emplea la investigación, la tecnología y el acumen comercial para transformar la perspicacia relevante en previsión accionable. Conocida extensamente por Harris Poll, la encuesta popular que lleva su nombre, y por ser pioneros en la aplicación de metodologías innovadoras de investigación, Harris ofrece conocimientos especializados en una amplia gama de industrias, incluyendo salud, tecnología, relaciones públicas, energía, telecomunicaciones, servicios financieros, seguros, medios de comunicación, ventas al detalle, restaurantes y bienes empacados para consumidores. Harris, que cuenta con clientes en más de 215 países y territorios por medio de sus oficinas en Norteamérica, Europa y Asia, además de una red de firmas de estudios de mercado independientes, se especializa en proporcionar soluciones de investigación que ayudan a la firma – y a sus clientes – a estar a la vanguardia de lo que vendrá. Para más información, visite www.harrisinteractive.com.

CONTACTO:
Kirana Bammarito, (202) 248-5471, moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

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The survey, conducted online on behalf of APA by Harris Interactive among 566 adults in December, found that 93 percent of people set a goal to change their behavior this year. The survey is a continuation of APA’s annual Stress in America™ poll, which found that many Americans report lack of willpower as a significant barrier to achieving their goals.

Yet, people can enhance their willpower if they can learn to deploy it more effectively, according to a companion report released today by APA. “What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control” explores leading research into the nature and consequences of people’s ability to exert self-control. This research suggests that willpower is correlated with positive life outcomes such as better grades, higher self-esteem, greater financial security and improved physical and mental health. The capacity for self-control appears to be persistent throughout a person’s life: research shows that those with better self-control as preschoolers tend to have better control as adults. But, just as muscles are strengthened by consistent exercise, regularly exerting self-control may improve willpower strength over time, recent studies suggest.

“Self-control can be learned and strengthened,” said Steven J. Breckler, PhD, a social psychologist and executive director of APA’s Science Directorate. “For example, avoiding the sources of temptation and planning ahead are effective techniques for maintaining self-control. Research shows that exercising your willpower in one situation may drain your self-control for other situations that immediately follow. So, just like with physical exercise, it is smart to avoid taking on too much at once. First, focus on one goal, strengthen your willpower, and then take on more goals over time.”

The most frequently reported goals that people set for 2012 were those aimed at improving health (57 percent reported a goal to lose weight, 50 percent reported a goal to eat a healthier diet, and 41 percent reported a goal to start exercising regularly) or financial status (52 percent reported a goal to save more money, and 37 percent reported a goal to pay off debt), according to the follow-up survey. For adults trying to make a lifestyle change, however, willpower is an important factor. The annual survey found that one in four reported that willpower (27 percent) or time (26 percent) prevented them from making the change they were trying to achieve. Despite difficulties with willpower, a majority of those responding to the annual survey (71 percent) believe that willpower can be learned, which is good news since psychological research demonstrates that this is true.

“It is reassuring to know that even though people view a lack of willpower as a hurdle in their quest to live healthier lives, they believe they can learn the skills they need to change their lifestyles,” said psychologist Norman Anderson, PhD, APA’s CEO and executive vice president. “Research shows that setting goals, as well as tracking progress and seeking out a community of support, can be tremendously effective in helping people increase their self-control and lead healthier lives.”

Findings from the follow-up survey support psychological research that suggests having a plan to tackle behavior change can improve outcomes. Adults who reported that they are extremely or very motivated to make a lifestyle or behavior change were significantly more likely than unmotivated respondents to say they were doing an excellent or very good job of setting clear goals (62 percent vs. 17 percent). Those who were more motivated reported better monitoring progress toward goals (57 percent vs. 14 percent); avoiding people, things or situations that lead to temptation (44 percent vs. 24 percent); and postponing what they want in the short term to achieve longer term goals (47 percent vs. 6 percent).

To read the willpower report and findings from the Stress in America follow-up survey, visit www.apa.org.
Stress in America is part of APA’s Mind/Body Health public education campaign. For additional information on stress and lifestyle and behavior, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and read the campaign blog www.yourmindyourbody.org. Join the conversation about stress on Twitter by following @apahelpcenter and #stressAPA.

Methodology
The Stress in America™ survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between Aug. 11 and Sept. 6, 2011, among 1,226 adults age 18 and older who reside in the U.S. The Stress in America follow-up survey was conducted online between Dec. 22 and 30, 2011, among 566 of the 1226 adults who participated in the earlier Stress in America survey. Results were weighted as needed for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income. To read the full methodology; visit www.stressinamerica.org.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 154,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare.

Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us — and our clients — stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

CONTACT:
Sophie Bethune, APA, (202) 336-6134, gro.apanull@enuhtebs
Scott Rieder, Vanguard Communications, (202) 248-5476, moc.mmocnavnull@redeirs

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“Farm Aid knows family farmers. Our mission is to make sure you do, too,” said Farm Aid co-founder John Mellencamp. “Farm Aid is introducing football fans to family farmers by serving HOMEGROWN Chili at the Super Bowl. It’s good food from family farms, including some from right here in Indiana.”

In addition to bringing the story of family farm food to football fans, HOMEGROWN Chili sales at the Super Bowl will benefit Farm Aid and family farmers. Centerplate will donate $2 to Farm Aid for every bowl of HOMEGROWN Chili sold.

“We’re proud to stand side by side with Farm Aid, local family farmers and Indiana icon John Mellencamp in their mission to create thriving family farms. And we’re thrilled they’re working with us to create a true Heartland Experience for fans,” says Centerplate CMO Bob Pascal. “With this HOMEGROWN program, Centerplate is raising the bar for local partnership and, with the first-ever organic concessions item at the Super Bowl, we’re setting a new standard for healthy and organic hospitality.”

The HOMEGROWN dishes at Super Bowl XLVI are:

1. HOMEGROWN Beef Chili, featuring hormone- and antibiotic-free beef from regional organic beef producers as well as from Patty Reding of Langeland Farms in Greensburg, Ind. The tomatoes are grown in the Midwest and processed in Indiana. The onions, celery, peppers and garlic are organic.
2. HOMEGROWN Pork Chili, featuring hormone- and antibiotic-free pork from Stanley and Evan Hall of Hall Farms in Paoli, Ind. The garlic and oil are organic.
3. HOMEGROWN Organic Vegetarian Chili, featuring organic beans from the Fields of Agape Cooperative in Carthage, Ind. The onions, celery, garlic, carrots, peppers and oil are also organic.

HOMEGROWN Chili recipes will be made available at www.farmaid.org/homegrownchili so that fans at home can make their own HOMEGROWN Chili.

Interview Opportunities: Farm Aid staff, Centerplate representatives and Super Bowl XLVI chefs will be available for interviews. Please contact Maria Enie at 202.248.5460 or at moc.mmocnavnull@einem to coordinate.

Since 2007, Farm Aid’s annual concert has distinguished itself as the first major concert event to serve family farm food in concessions and backstage. More than 100,000 concertgoers have eaten HOMEGROWN food, from hot dogs and burgers to corn on the cob and fresh fruits from farmers markets. The success of HOMEGROWN Concessions^® proves that family farm food can supply food service and has the potential to open vast new markets for family farmers.

HOMEGROWN Concessions^® serves food that is sustainably produced by family farmers, identified as local and/or organic, or involving other ecological practices such as grass-fed or non-genetically engineered, while upholding a commitment to a fair price for farmers. Through existing supply chains and by leveraging Farm Aid’s relationships with family farmers, brands and cooperatives, HOMEGROWN’s culinary director identifies family farm ingredients and ways to integrate these ingredients into food service menus for entertainment events.

Introducing more healthful food choices and bringing local flavor to major events is an emerging trend in the hospitality and food service industry. Centerplate is at the forefront of this trend, and they identified HOMEGROWN Concessions^® as a natural extension of its innovative approaches to improve the fan experience.

About Farm Aid
Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America that ensures farmers a fair living, strengthens our communities, protects our natural resources and delivers good food for all. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to help farmers thrive and to promote good food from family farms. HOMEGROWN Concessions^® brings the experience of tasting good food from family farms into events and venues. Learn more at www.farmaid.org/homegrownchili.

About Centerplate
Centerplate crafts and delivers “Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results.” in over 250 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America, annually serving over 100 million guests. Centerplate has provided event hospitality services to 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 12 Super Bowls, 20 World Series, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. The company was recently named the fastest growing hospitality group in the country by Nation’s Restaurant News. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

CONTACT:
Maria Enie, (202) 248-5460, moc.mmocnavnull@einem

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“We cannot afford to tolerate a climate in which students of color, the very ones who will make up the bulk of the nation’s future workforce, have the least access to high-quality public education,” said Michael Wotorson, executive director of CHSE. “American companies cannot be expected to bring jobs back home if our workforce is not prepared to claim them. President Obama’s recognition of the need to prioritize high school graduation rates is very encouraging. Still his administration must do more than the president revealed in the State of the Union address to lead essential education reforms that provide the strategic investment of the resources necessary to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.”

CHSE’s Plan for Success is a blueprint for the administration and Congress that’s designed to ensure that America leads the world in educating its people. The Plan for Success provides a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to strengthen public schools, support effective teaching and offer every student a pathway to graduation and beyond. Specifically, the Plan for Success calls for policies that:

• Make all students proficient and prepared for college and career;
• Hold schools accountable for student success;
• Provide students with the excellent leaders and teachers they need to succeed;
• Invest communities in student success;
• Provide equitable learning conditions for all students; and
• Provide students with expanded learning opportunities.

CHSE is also calling for the meaningful engagement of communities of color to ensure that all students, including English language learners and students with diverse learning needs, have access to high-quality educational content and teachers who have been trained to effectively teach students from under-resourced communities by using methods that research demonstrates are essential to success in college and career.

“The current level of investment in public education is completely inadequate to meet the demands of a knowledge-based economy. If America is truly committed to building a strong and sustainable economy, then we must recognize that all of our students are the building blocks,” said Wotorson.

CONTACT:
Stephanie Dukes, (202) 248-5463, moc.mmocnavnull@sekuds

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