Phyllis Wheatley in the News

Phyllis Wheatley Volunteer Ken Nelson Receives National Award

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center volunteer Ken Nelson was nationally recognized as a Modern Day Technology Leader at the BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference on February 23, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. For more than two decades, this three-day conference has attracted top professionals and students in fields of science, engineering and technology from around the country. The conference concludes with the BEYA Awards Ceremony to recognize the achievement of African American leaders.  
Nelson has been instrumental in establishing the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center computer lab and implementing science and technology programs such as Try Science in Phyllis Wheatley’s Academic Achievement Program, basic computer use and internet orientation & safety, and has helped get refurbished computers into the hands of dozens of families served at the Center. 
He is employed at the University of Minnesota as a Program Supervisor for the Digital Divide Initiative and is actively involved with the new University of Minnesota UROC center. Nelson’s outstanding service to youth in North Minneapolis and his dedication to bridging the digital divide has earned him the honor of this recognition.
Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Council of the Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and US Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine partner to make the recognition and the BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference possible.
Celebrating 84 years of helping children and families succeed, Phyllis Wheatley Community Center is one of the oldest social service agencies in Minnesota to continuously deliver human and social services to diverse communities.  Phyllis Wheatley’s mission is to provide comprehensive quality programs in life-long learning, child development and family support for the diverse Greater Minneapolis community.  Phyllis Wheatley Community Center is a United Way community partner, a member of Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC), and United Neighborhood Centers of America, Inc. (UNCA). It was established in 1924 as one of the original settlement houses in the area.

Ken Nelson and Barbara Milon, Executive Director of Phyllis Wheatley Community Center,  at the BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference.

Ken Nelson receives award from Tyrone Taborn, CEO of Career Communications Group Inc. in Baltimore, MD.

Phyllis Wheatley’s Summer Academic Achievement Program Offers  Academic and Recreational Enrichment

Registrations are currently being accepted for Phyllis Wheatley Community Center’s summer session of Academic Achievement Program.  The summer session, for students in grades K-8, operates for six weeks Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The program will begin on Monday, June 22 and will conclude Friday, July 31. 
The program helps students improve their skills in the areas of math, writing, spelling, reading, science, creative arts, financial literacy and computer instruction. Currently in its 23rd year, Academic Achievement Program also works to increase students’ self-esteem by giving them positive attention, recognition, and opportunities for success. 
Special offerings for the summer program will include environmental studies and community gardening. Daily affirmations and culturally-specific reading and art projects will help children enhance their cultural appreciation and self-concept. Activities for grades 7-8 will focus on leadership development, with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. 
 The fee is $150 and includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and field trips.  Those attending summer school can also attend Academic Achievement Program for a partial day for $110. Discounts are available for families with more than one child enrolled in the program. Before and after program care is available for an additional fee; arrangements must be made in advance with Roslyn Givens, Program Coordinator, 612-977-3254, email: roslyng@phylliswheatley.org.
To enroll, stop by Phyllis Wheatley at 1301 10th Avenue North in Minneapolis, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Registrations must be made in person, with half of payment due at the time of registration, and the remainder by June 22.  Space is limited and enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information about Academic Achievement Program, contact Roslyn Givens, Program Coordinator, at 612-977-3254, email: roslyng@phylliswheatley.org.

Phyllis Wheatley is celebrating 84 years of helping children and families succeed.  It is one of the oldest social service agencies in Minnesota to continuously deliver human and social services to diverse communities.  Phyllis Wheatley’s mission is to provide comprehensive quality programs in life-long learning, child development and family support for the diverse Greater Minneapolis community.  Phyllis Wheatley Community Center is a United Way community partner, a member of Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC), and United Neighborhood Centers of America, Inc. (UNCA). It was established in 1924 as one of the original settlement houses in the area.