Character's Cool Contest Website - Who are the sponsors?

Who are the sponsors?


	The Character's Cool Contest is a program developed by the MindOH! Foundation, which is an non-profit organization that empowers youth to achieve their full potential through innovative character education programs that inspire moral and ethical behavior. In addition to the MindOH! Foundation, the following companies, non-profit organizations and individuals have generously contributed products, funding and in-kind donations to sponsor the Character's Cool Contest.



	Athletes for a Better World

	Athletes for a Better World exists to change the culture of sport by developing individual character, teamwork, and civic responsibility through commitment to the Code for Living. ABW grew out of a need for positive mentoring for young persons today in sport. Unfortunately, stories about greed, scandal, and inappropriate behavior have become prevalent in our sporting society. Regrettably, young people are picking up this type of negative behavior despite great efforts being made by many in our communities to combat this growing trend. ABW recognizes and accepts the opportunity that sport provides for developing character and leadership potential and in making a difference in our community and world. ABW's Code for Living provides guideposts for personal and leadership development. The Code reflects the desire to live a responsible life as an individual, as a member of a team, and as a member of society. Those who have grown up with ABW's Code for Living will have been formed by a set of values that will provide a foundation for life. Athletes for a Better World was begun so that all those who: work hard at their sport; demonstrate what it means to play fair; win or lose with grace and dignity; and give something back to their communities - Can come together as one team. "One team. One goal: winning more than the game." ABW is free to join. Its program is supported entirely by those who care about the character of sports leadership and who are committed to making this a better world for all people. We invite you to join us today!



	Media Art Studio

	Media Art Studio focuses on e-learning and multimedia design. The most effective learning environments meld traditional approaches and new methods to facilitate learning of relevant content while addressing individual needs. Media Art Studio does a full life cycle instructional design including evaluation strategies to insure they seek out problems long before they become one. Using a systematic process of analyzing audience and training needs, Media Art Studio develops instructional design strategies for delivery in a variety of mediums. Experience authoring multimedia courses for continuing education certification in medical and computer industries along with developing courseware for university online classrooms and distance education has proven their models of modern instruction. The quality of information is as important as how it is experienced. Their solutions include selecting the best digital or blended delivery methods to protect your ROI. Combined professional experience includes fourteen years in computer and multimedia solutions, eight years in education and training, web site design, usability, content, 2D and 3D computer graphics, video and authoring. They have worked with companies both large and small including Medical Communications Media, Compaq, University of Houston, Prairie View A&M University, ChaseCom Telecommunications, and GK Intelligent Systems. For more information contact jbolles@mediaartstudio.com.



	MindOH!

	MindOH! was founded in July 2000 by six entrepreneurs, Beth Carls, Stephen Haslam, Amy Looper, Leslie Matula, Robert Pennington, Ph.D., and Dot Woodfin, who are dedicated to providing young people with the necessary tools to develop strong character traits and a healthy self-concept. The Company creates interactive computer modules that teach students problem-solving techniques and communication skills, reinforcing universally held virtues such as respect and responsibility. Character education is increasingly becoming an integral part of learning environments, particularly in light of increased incidents of bullying, stealing, bigotry and substance abuse among today's youth. MindOH! connects with students during the disciplinary process, guiding them to consider their actions and resulting consequences while developing an internal motivation to practice ethical behavior. By uncovering the core issues at the heart of student misbehaviors, positive behavioral changes can be fostered and time spent in the disciplinary process will be reduced, allowing more focus on activities that promote a positive academic and social climate. The modules support teachers, parents, caregivers and the learning community in a collective effort to empower youth to become responsible and caring citizens of the global community. For more information, visit www.mindoh.com.



	Mothers Against Violence Everywhere (MAVIA)

	Mothers Against Violence in America (MAVIA) is dedicated to preventing violence by and against children through education, outreach and advocacy. Founded in 1994, MAVIA is a national leader in the field of violence prevention. Through a powerful network of mothers and fathers, MAVIA is creating strong and effective partnerships with school, business and community leaders in cities across America. For more information, visit www.mavia.org.



	Nickerson Design

	Nickerson Design provides effective, thoughtful graphic solutions for communication needs. Specializing in corporate identity and print design, Nickerson Design has over 10 years experience working with clients in a wide range of industries, including IT, energy, finance, and education. Our guiding philosophy is that design should not overpower your message; rather, it should complement and illuminate.



	Project Wisdom

	Since 1992, Project Wisdom, Inc. has been committed to helping students make wiser choices. Project Wisdom is a leading producer of character education materials that encourage young people to reflect upon the meaning of civic and personal values and the application of those values in their daily lives. The centerpiece of the program is a collection of thought-provoking messages designed to be read over the PA or in-house television system. These messages inspire and teach and take less than one minute a day to broadcast. Schools taking part in Project Wisdom report fewer disciplinary problems, greater student willingness to talk about issues, and a more positive school climate. The Project Wisdom program has been implemented in more than 6,000 schools nationwide in all 50 states. For more information, contact lmatula@projectwisdom.com.



	Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE)

	SAVE is a program of Mothers Against Violence in America and is open to all students who want to change attitudes and behaviors which contribute to violence. SAVE empowers students to create their own solutions and strategies for safer schools and communities.

	Thank you to the following donors: In addition to the sponsors mentioned above, we would like to thank the following organizations for their product donations to the Character's Cool Contest: Athletes for a Better World Bigchalk.com Experience Music Project FOX Sports MindOH! Pacific-10 Conference Project Wisdom The Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Storm The Seattle Supersonics Sybil Media Thank you to all of the individuals that donated time to make this contest possible, specifically: Jonti Bolles Beth Carls Drew Carls Pam Eakes Stephen Haslam Kendra Jones Lottie Kim Amy Looper Leslie Matula Maria McEntire Keith Nickerson Jen Nikoliasen Jennifer O'Brien Rob Pennington Tamela Phillips Dot Woodfin We would also like to recognize the following organizations and individuals for their monetary donations: Dan Matula Pat and Kevin O'Brien Project Wisdom Resource International We would also like to thank the following individuals for donating their time as Character's Cool Contest essay judges: Alex Amort Michael Blaye Beth Carls Andrea Grenadier Eileene Haslam Herb Haslam Jerry Haslam Myrrh Haslam Stephen Haslam Cynthia MacMillan Leslie Matula Jennifer O'Brien Tamela Phillips Lois Powers Nicole Robinson Laura Thomas Dot Woodfin For more information, email us! contests@mindohfoundation.org

Thank you to the following donors: