OpenWorld Learning Media Contact:
Christi Kirchner
Media & Donor Relations Manager
Phone: 303-633-4190
Cell: 720-841-7677
Email:

July 17, 2008

Denver's Leaders Collaborate to Address Governor Ritter's P-20 Initiative

Thursday, July 17, 2008: A focus group comprised of representatives from Denver Public Schools, College in Colorado, Colorado Community College, Regis University, University of Colorado — Denver, OpenWorld Learning, Chávez Grupo, FirstData Corporation and Wells Fargo met to identify the core competencies, skills and personal attributes vital to students' success in secondary education and today's work place.

The focus group identified many of the same skills outlined in the recently passed Senate Bill 212. The group's findings will be used in the development of OpenWorld Learning's Student Leader program for middle school students. OpenWorld Learning has been a front-runner in providing afterschool and summer programming that aligns with the use of technology and higher-level critical thinking ideals of the bill. OpenWorld Learning has developed curriculum that encourages creativity, leadership, self-direction, analytical thinking and technology application skills. The organization is excited to collaborate with schools, communities and businesses that are preparing students for civic responsibility and success in tomorrow's workforce.

Shelley VanDelinder, OpenWorld Learning's Program Director, explained why the focus group is an essential component of new curriculum development, "We feel the best way to do this is to define the skills or assets students and/or employees possess who have been able to surmount socio-economic barriers to become successful in school and career."

OpenWorld Learning is a Colorado-based non-profit organization that has historically served elementary school students after school and during the summer through advanced technology and computer programming curriculum. As the organization expands to meet the needs of the often forgotten middle school student, it plans to incorporate the key skills students will need to be successful in higher education and beyond.

About OpenWorld Learning: Through an innovative educational curriculum, students learn advanced computer skills, including computer programming. They develop basic skills in reading, writing and math, and they learn the core skills of the Information Age — including creative thinking, analytic reasoning, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. In 2007, OpenWorld Learning received the "Excellence in Education" award from the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was named one of the "50 Most Innovative Technology Companies in the State of Colorado" by CSIA.