"Making my way from a trailer park to Yale could not have been possible without Summer Ventures," stated Garry Reeder, a participant in a previous UNCW Summer Ventures program. One couldn’t ask for a more glowing endorsement for a program, right? But now that program is in jeopardy of being cancelled.
The 25th Annual Summer Ventures 2011 at UNCW got underway Monday, June 27th and will wrap up Saturday, July 23, possibly for the last time due to state budget cuts. UNCW is one of five NC universities to host Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM) Institutes administered by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). SVSM is a cost-free, state-funded program for academically talented students who may pursue careers based in science and mathematics.
The 4-week course of intensive study is led by university faculty and master high school teachers. The program brings rising juniors and seniors together in residential settings for four weeks of intensive study with courses designed to provide experience in scientific inquiry and mathematical problem solving. As a merit-based program, Summer Ventures is free to participating students.
"I still count that summer at UNCW as one of the most important experiences of my life,” said Robert Leandro, another UNCW SVSM participant. “Studying marine biology at SVSM opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me."
Despite this long track record of success, it's likely that 2011 will be the last year of Summer Ventures at UNCW - unless we can find a way to save it! Cape Fear Future encourages you to spread the importance of this program as it encourages and rewards high performing students while simultaneously preparing them in workforce development.
As a program serving "the best and the brightest", Summer Ventures is an investment in North Carolina's future. It's a program that should be showcased as a model of success and expanded, not eliminated. I hope you'll join our efforts to save Summer Ventures by sharing this information with others or by contacting Karen Shafer, Director, UNCW Science and Mathematics Education Center at 910-962-3168 (email: shaferk@uncw.edu) or Dr. Gabriel Lugo, Summer Ventures' Faculty Coordinator at 910-962-3246 (email: lugo@uncw.edu) to see how you can help.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
UNCW Entrepreneurship Center Hosts ENOV8T 2011
Jonathan Rowe, director of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center and Fran Scarlett, regional director of the UNCW Small Business & Technology Development Center will act as program directors for this year's ENOV8T. High school students are encouraged to attend this exciting event to learn more about entrepreneurship, leadership, team building skills, and starting a new business.
For additonal information and registration, see the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center Website:
http://uncwec.org/programs/enov8t/
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Editorial - A new push could make Riverfront Park a star attraction
Wilmington's Riverwalk is one of the most relaxing ways to while away a lazy afternoon downtown. Now it's time to spruce up Riverfront Park. And thanks to the interest of a community group and a languishing federal grant, that may happen soon.
For full StarNews article see link below:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110601/ARTICLES/110609957/1108/editorial?p=all&tc=pgall&tc=ar
For full StarNews article see link below:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110601/ARTICLES/110609957/1108/editorial?p=all&tc=pgall&tc=ar
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Council Approves Grant and Riverfront Gets Green
On Tuesday, May 17, Wilmington City Council unanimously passed a Resolution of Endorsement and an Ordinance for Appropriating Funds for a Housing and Urban Development EDI (Economic Development Initiatives) Park Grant. These funds were awarded in 2007 with the intent that it be used for the development of a park in the parking lot adjacent to Thalian Hall. Over time this plan was abandoned and the funds were never re-designated. A new park project was needed…but years later, nothing had taken the place of the original plan.
Here’s the catch. If the funds aren’t used by December 31, 2011, the City loses the grant which amounts to $247,500. With the deadline looming, CFF Leaders contacted the City of Wilmington to inquire how those funds were being used and what we could do to push a proposal forward.
The Downtown Task Force, including Cape Fear Future, Wilmington Downtown Inc, City staff, and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce came together to discuss the grant and eventually proposed a conceptual three phase plan for expanding and enhancing the riverfront park at the intersection of Market and Water Streets. The first phase would include the redevelopment of the City of Wilmington’s riverfront sub parcels extending from the Visitor Center kiosk to the northern boundary of the current Riverfront Park. If renovated with a unique and environmentally sensitive design, this area could serve as an inviting open space conducive to an array of events for public enjoyment.
The second phase proposes the renewal of the twenty-year license agreement between the U.S. Coast Guard and the City of Wilmington. The third and final phase includes the Wilmington Hilton’s southern parking lot, which could be exchanged for the Water Street Parking Deck across the street.
With regards to the grant, a second catch cropped up…only 20% of the $247,500 grant ($49,500) can be used for the required environmental assessment and park design. As such, it was recommended the initial environmental and park design focus on Phase I, and if additional funds remain following the assessment and design of Phase I, they be focused on the design of Phases II and III.
Ideally, all three phases will be included. 3.5 acres of riverfront park space will leverage economic development by being a destination park that emphasizes the cultural history of downtown Wilmington. It will also increase downtown residential density by serving as an active open space for live performances, family activities, and community events. The park will also serve as a unique facility for public events due to its proximity to local and state government administrative offices, the New Hanover County Courthouse, the river, and any proposed mixed use private development of the Water Street Deck.
I’ve mentioned it before: studies overwhelmingly show that parks act as incredible economic drivers. Real estate values, property taxes, and residential development increase; there is a greater opportunity for business attraction and retention; and the rate of tourism and degree of recreation is augmented. Finally, parks and outdoor green space stimulate the creative economy as creative/knowledge workers choose a place to live first before a job. Research shows that these higher wage earners highly value parks, open space, and cultural arts. If we improve the quality of life in this community, we are better positioned to attract and retain knowledge workers, which in turn generate investment back into the local community and spurs economic growth.
Finally, and most importantly, there is tremendous support from the local citizenship for a public park. In May 2006, the residents of Wilmington and New Hanover County passed a $35.5 million bond referendum to expand parks, green space and cultural facilities throughout the Cape Fear region.
Tip of the hat to Council and the Downtown Task Force who worked long and hard to push this through. Now let’s go get our park.
Here’s the catch. If the funds aren’t used by December 31, 2011, the City loses the grant which amounts to $247,500. With the deadline looming, CFF Leaders contacted the City of Wilmington to inquire how those funds were being used and what we could do to push a proposal forward.
The Downtown Task Force, including Cape Fear Future, Wilmington Downtown Inc, City staff, and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce came together to discuss the grant and eventually proposed a conceptual three phase plan for expanding and enhancing the riverfront park at the intersection of Market and Water Streets. The first phase would include the redevelopment of the City of Wilmington’s riverfront sub parcels extending from the Visitor Center kiosk to the northern boundary of the current Riverfront Park. If renovated with a unique and environmentally sensitive design, this area could serve as an inviting open space conducive to an array of events for public enjoyment.
The second phase proposes the renewal of the twenty-year license agreement between the U.S. Coast Guard and the City of Wilmington. The third and final phase includes the Wilmington Hilton’s southern parking lot, which could be exchanged for the Water Street Parking Deck across the street.
With regards to the grant, a second catch cropped up…only 20% of the $247,500 grant ($49,500) can be used for the required environmental assessment and park design. As such, it was recommended the initial environmental and park design focus on Phase I, and if additional funds remain following the assessment and design of Phase I, they be focused on the design of Phases II and III.
Ideally, all three phases will be included. 3.5 acres of riverfront park space will leverage economic development by being a destination park that emphasizes the cultural history of downtown Wilmington. It will also increase downtown residential density by serving as an active open space for live performances, family activities, and community events. The park will also serve as a unique facility for public events due to its proximity to local and state government administrative offices, the New Hanover County Courthouse, the river, and any proposed mixed use private development of the Water Street Deck.
I’ve mentioned it before: studies overwhelmingly show that parks act as incredible economic drivers. Real estate values, property taxes, and residential development increase; there is a greater opportunity for business attraction and retention; and the rate of tourism and degree of recreation is augmented. Finally, parks and outdoor green space stimulate the creative economy as creative/knowledge workers choose a place to live first before a job. Research shows that these higher wage earners highly value parks, open space, and cultural arts. If we improve the quality of life in this community, we are better positioned to attract and retain knowledge workers, which in turn generate investment back into the local community and spurs economic growth.
Finally, and most importantly, there is tremendous support from the local citizenship for a public park. In May 2006, the residents of Wilmington and New Hanover County passed a $35.5 million bond referendum to expand parks, green space and cultural facilities throughout the Cape Fear region.
Tip of the hat to Council and the Downtown Task Force who worked long and hard to push this through. Now let’s go get our park.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Cape Fear Economic Development Council hosts Congress for New Urbanism President/CEO John Norquist
John Norquist, President/CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism, will appear in Wilmington May 19-20, sponsored by the Cape Fear Economic Development Council. Norquist’s visit is part of the CFEDC’s effort to advance the goal of place-making as an economic development tool.
Norquist’s visit follows author’s Richard Florida’s recent visit to the Port City. While here, Florida outlined The New Economy principles that nurture The “Creative Class,” requiring a high performance education system, a robust cultural environment and beautiful, healthy and functional places to live, work and play. A former Wisconsin state legislator and the former mayor of Milwaukee, Norquist will work with the CFEDC to help translate the Creative Class vision into tangible steps for transforming the regional economy through the power of place.
To register please visit:
http://capefearedc.org/sponsor-an-event/
For more information and/or sponsorship opporunities please contact:
Elise Rocks
CFEDC Board Chair
910) 620.9224
Norquist’s visit follows author’s Richard Florida’s recent visit to the Port City. While here, Florida outlined The New Economy principles that nurture The “Creative Class,” requiring a high performance education system, a robust cultural environment and beautiful, healthy and functional places to live, work and play. A former Wisconsin state legislator and the former mayor of Milwaukee, Norquist will work with the CFEDC to help translate the Creative Class vision into tangible steps for transforming the regional economy through the power of place.
To register please visit:
http://capefearedc.org/sponsor-an-event/
For more information and/or sponsorship opporunities please contact:
Elise Rocks
CFEDC Board Chair
910) 620.9224
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