What's So Great About Warrendale, PA?
One of the things we don't get to write much about is how grateful we are to the individuals, private foundations, and corporations who believe in Our Education's cause and support our work. One of these supporters is American Eagle Outfitters, the clothing company that markets largely to junior high, high school and college aged youth.
American Eagle donated $25,000 to support Our Education's work - a big chunk of which went to building our www.OurEd.org. They did so through their Live Your LIfe contest, a cool young initiative that invests in six people each year to help them realize their dreams.
I'm in Warrendale, PA now, where American Eagle's corporate HQs are located, to help judge this year's 12 finalists, and I must say I'm more excited than I even thought I'd be! The energy here among these 12 young people who have a vision for how to make their communities and this world a better place is inspiring. They are examples of what can go right when schools in America nurture the flame of education and a love of learning that I believe is present in every child when they are born.
Kudos to American Eagle for doing their part, as terrific corporate citizens, to kindle this flame as well. My hope is that one day, we as a country will commit ourselves to doing the same for all of our children.
I'll post again soon with my impressions once we grill (er, interview) the 12 finalists tomorrow.