The Ocean Discovery Institute is one of three organizations in the United States to receive the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award will be presented at a ceremony to be held at the White House in December. A gift of $25,000 from the National Science Foundation will also be presented to the organizations to further advance mentoring efforts. “Through their commitment to education and innovation, these individuals and organizations are playing a crucial role in the development of our 21st century workforce,” President Barack Obama said. “Our Nation owes them a debt of gratitude for helping ensure that America remains the global leader in science and engineering for years to come.” … The Oasis Institute received a $625,000 contribution from AT&T to expand its “Connections” technology training program. San Diego is one of the 18 target cities that will share in the distribution of the funds. The technology curriculum is offered through classes at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, the Jewish Family Service College Avenue Center and The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center. Oasis partners with 90 organizations and provides them with instructor training, partner support, curriculum and evaluation. “Connections is a proven solution to a challenge facing many Americans: how to stay current with technology,” said Ignacio De La Torre, regional vice president, AT&T California … San Diego Coastkeeper honored Ashok Israni, CEO of Pacifica Companies and San Diego City Councilmember David Alvarez as the 2011 Coastal Champions at the organization’s 15th annual Ocean Gala held Nov. 5. The event raised $100,000 which is used to help protect inland and coastal waters. Sponsors were Liquid Environmental Solutions, Ecology Auto Parts, Hunter Industries and San Diego Gas & Electric … The 15th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure raised $600,000 at the event held Nov. 13 in Balboa Park. The funds raised are used for free mammograms and surgeries as well as grocery delivery and assisting with mortgage payments. A portion of the funds raised goes toward research to find a cure … The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad held its “Super Stars … Let It Shine!” Gala on Oct. 22 at the La Costa Resort and Spa. The event raised $165,000 for the programs at B&G Clubs. PayPros was the event sponsor and Hilton Carlsbad Beach, Hoehn Motors, Lexus Carlsbad, Life Technologies and Pave Tech were participating sponsors … The Preuss School UC San Diego is one of 10 schools in the nation being recognized for academic success through the 2012 MetLife Foundation-National Association of Secondary School Principals Breakthrough Schools program. The schools will be honored at a ceremony held in Tampa, in March 2012 and will each be awarded a $5,000 grant … Sleep Train raised $15,797 during its Dollar Drive for Foster Kids. San Diego Youth Services Foster Care, San Diego County Foster Parent Association and Promises2Kids will receive the proceeds to help fund activities. Sleep Train’s Secret Santa Toy Drive is collecting unwrapped toys through Dec. 11 … Pacific Ridge School, Carlsbad won the Best Small School Delegation Award at the Model United Nations Conference held Nov. 4 at Stanford University. The school’s 17-student delegation received the Best Small School Delegation Award, as well as seven individual delegate awards at the closing awards ceremony … Big Brothers Big Sisters was named No. 1 nonprofit for at-risk youth by GuideStar’s Philanthropedia. The organization was recognized for its effective mentoring model that leads to positive and measurable youth outcomes for children who face adversity, as well as for its organizational leadership and community outreach. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children of low-income, single or incarcerated parents. Philanthropedia is a subsidiary of GuideStar, the industry leader in the nonprofit sector.
Please send Kudos and Giving items to Joyce Glazer at jglazer@sdbj.com.