Jewish Heritage Week

In honor of Jewish Heritage-NY2009 and the annual observance of Jewish Heritage Week (April 26-May 3), The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, in cooperation with the DOE, is sponsoring The Toby Nussbaum Jewish Heritage-NY2009 Writing Contest for New York City public school students. This year’s theme is “Gemilut Hasadim: Acts of Loving Kindness.”

The contest is open to students in grades 4-12. First, second and third place winners will be selected from grades 4-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. First place winners will receive $500; second place winners will receive $300; and third place winners will receive $150. The contest deadline is April 27. Students will receive their awards at a ceremony in late May or early June. For contest rules and information, please contact Marcy Fishman at fishmanm@jcrcny.org or (212) 983-4800, x142.

Juniors and Seniors Can Apply for Milton Fisher Scholarship

Deadline: March 31

High school juniors and seniors can apply for the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity. This is a four-year scholarship of up to $20,000 (up to $5,000 a year for four years) for innovative and creative students. You can download a flyer about the competition at www.nycboe.net/schools/principals/weekly/20090121/fisher_scholarship.pdf. For additional information, visit www.rbffoundation.org/milton-fisher-scholarship/index.html. The application deadline is March 31.

MIT Nationwide SAT Vocabulary Video Contest

MIT is sponsoring a Nationwide SAT Vocabulary Video Contest which is open until March 16th.
We’re trying to help kids prepare for the SAT by offering fun and free videos about SAT vocabulary, made by YOU!
We’re offering $600 in prize money to the video that receives the most number of votes. $200 of the payout will go to the maker(s) of the video and $400 to the class or school club of his/her choice.
And to make this viral, we'll give out 1 free iTunes download for every 5 videos you submit or referrals you provide.*
Submit entries by March 16th, 2009. Contact us if you have questions.
Looks like a great opportunity for your students – visit http://www.brainyflix.com for details.

Free 6 week engineering and science summer program at MIT

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a free summer program for current high school juniors who are strong in math and science. MITES - (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) is a rigorous six-week residential, academic enrichment summer program for promising high school juniors who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. This national program stresses the value and reward of pursuing advanced technical degrees and careers while developing the skills necessary to achieve success in science and engineering.

MITES is rooted in MIT's belief in the importance of students from diverse populations to pursue higher education and careers in these fields. Funding from industry, foundations, grants, individuals, and MIT covers all living and educational expenses for each admitted student. Students only pay for their transportation to and from MIT.

Admission to the program is very competitive -- applications are due February 2, 2009 and require standardized test scores, essays, and recommendations -- so don't wait until the last minute to submit. See http://web.mit.edu/mites/www/ for more information and on-line application.