Metropolitan Education Commission News
MEETING & QUORUM NOTICES
All MEC Regular Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, except in August (MEC Retreat), and June/July (No MEC meetings). The Regular Meetings are held from 4:00 - 6:00p.m. at the Joel D. Valdez Downtown Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., Lower Level Meeting Room. For a complete listing of MEC meetings and dates, please see the meeting schedule below:
2011 *RETREAT – Saturday, August 13- PCC West Campus
September 21; October 19; November 16; December 21
2012 January 18; February 15; March 21; April 18; May 16
REGIONAL COLLEGE ACCESS CENTER (RCAC)
Facilitates the access to and success in college for all Pima County students, with a special focus on students from low-income households or who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary education programs. For more information, please click on the link below:
Funding from the U.S. Department of Education Challenge Grant and the Helios Educational Foundation is providing outreach to 4 area high Schools: Flowing Wells, Sunnyside, Desert View, and Pueblo. Also, funding the Pima County Attorney's Office RICO fund and City of Tucson Community Services is underwriting the training of 4 RCAC Youth Ambassadors.
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL/TUCSON TEEN CONGRESS (YAC/TTC)
The MEC's youth group provides youth/student input on policies and programs designed to improve the quality of education throughout Pima County, and to engage in activities which foster leadership, citizenship, and and the best educational opportunities for all Tucson youth. To apply for the YAC/TTC, click the link below:
The YAC/TTC meets on the first & third Wednesdays of the months of September through May at the Joel D. Valdez Downtown Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
The following is a testimonial from the parent of YAC/TTC youth:
The Metropolitan Education Commission’s Youth Advisory Council/Tucson Teen Congress has given my children the opportunity to learn more about the issues challenging youth today and contribute their experiences to improve our community. The interaction with community leaders and guidance from the dedicated organizers is a unique experience which has fostered an exchange of ideas and excitement from the students participating. The programs supported by the YAC/TCC unite students, educators and the community for the benefit of education in Pima County. My children, a high school freshman and senior, are enthusiastic about their experience and hope to continue their efforts as well as encourage other students to become involved to positively impact our community.
Theresa Amos
2011 TEEN TOWN HALL
The Tucson Police Department and the Metropolitan Education Commission’s (MEC) Youth Advisory Council/Tucson Teen Congress (YAC/TTC) hosted the annual Teen Town Hall on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Sunnyside High School Auditorium, 1725 E. Bilby Road. Over 500 youth attended the event, which was moderated by TPD Chief Villaseñor and YAC/TTC President, Alexis Enos. The Teen Town Hall offers youth an open opportunity to discuss any issue they have on their minds. Your part is to dialogue with youth, answer questions, and/or make suggestions. The overall effect is to provide a community safety valve for youth voices and to hear what is taking place in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. As stated by a Pima County middle school student, “We hope that the adult community leaders are listening, and realize that we wish to be part of the dialogue. As youth, we too are concerned for the issues impacting our family, schools, neighborhoods, and community”.
CRYSTAL APPLE AWARDS LUNCHEON
The MEC's 22nd Annual Crystal Apple Awards Luncheon will take place on FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30p.m., at the Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel, 7350 S. Nogales Highway.
Sponsors of the 22nd Annual Crystal Apple Awards Luncheon:
Gold Sponsors: Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment; Office of the Pima County School Superintendent
Patron Sponsors: Farmers Investment Co.
Table Sponsors:
DOROTHY FINLEY OUTSTANDING TEEN CITIZENS AWARDS
City of Tucson Parks and Recreation, Pima Community College Downtown Campus, and the Metropolitan Education Commission’s Youth Advisory Council/Tucson Teen Congress (YAC/TTC) are pleased to announce the Sixteenth Annual "Dorothy Finley Outstanding Teen Citizen Awards".
The 2012 Honorees will be selected by YAC/TTC members. One of these ten winners will be the recipient of the Metropolitan Education Commission’s prestigious Crystal Apple Youth Award. All ten youth will be recognized and honored by the community at the 22nd Annual Crystal Apple Awards Luncheon on May 4, 2012. The Honorees will also be presented to Tucson Mayor & Council for commendations.
Print the Nomination Form: /sites/default/files/mec/nomination_form_2012.docx
Dorothy Finley Outstanding Teen Citizen Awards 2011
Nomination Form (pdf)
GOAL ONE: GRADUATE POSTER CONTEST
Entry forms for the 2012 Goal One: Graduate! Poster Contest have been mailed to area Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Poster Contest winners, selected by the YAC/TTC for each category, will receive a $100 stipend and be honored at the 22nd Annual Crystal Apple Awards Luncheon on May 4, 2012.
2012 KEY TO EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY SYMPOSIUM
The Metropolitan Education Commission’s (MEC) 2012 Key to Employment for the 21st Century Symposium will be held on TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012 at Pima Community College West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Rd, in collaboration with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Youth Leadership Conference & Career Fair. 1,500 middle and high school students will be in attendance. This is the 14th year for the Key to Employment for the 21st Century Symposium and it will continue to showcase the exploratoriums, exhibitors, demonstrations, and workshops characterizing prior events.
This Symposium is designed to inspire students to pursue college, science, technology, and 21st Century careers. It provides students with an opportunity to meet industry professionals, to explore technologies, to learn about courses of study, skills & educational requirements that will prepare them for college, and to connect with colleges, trade schools, and community organizations that provide opportunities for internships and training.
EXPECT MORE ARIZONA
The MEC is partnering with Expect More Arizona, a public/private partnership dedicated to creating a statewide movement of Arizonans who value education as our state's top priority. To learn more, please click on link below:
MEC News/Right Column