Alaska ICE is the Alaska Initiative for Community Engagement, a statewide initiative of the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB). Community Engagement is the intentional action of groups and individuals working together to create healthy environments that support the growth and education of children and youth. June/July 2011 Helping Kids Succeed - Volume 6, Issue 5 Alaskan-Style! www.alaskaice.org Youth-led project opens eyes of student drivers in Chugiak Alaska ICE prides itself on providing schools and com- munities the opportunity to implement service projects that put youth in the driver seat. The primary stipulation for community engagement projects is that they team youth with adults. This past winter, 10 projects from nine different communities were approved for funding, including a project from Chugiak High School, de- scribed here by Kathy Vik. The Distracted Driving: Truth or Consequence project was a peer-led project aimed at increasing teen aware- ness of the dangers of distracted driving. Chugiak Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students wanted to provided specific data, information and activities that would encourage their peers to pay attention while they are behind the wheel. The project consisted of a week-long program with daily activities to get their message out. Banners, post- ers, announcements and a showcase were put up for students to read and learn from. Monday started with thumb print pledge cards done in the cafeteria. On Wednesday, students tested their knowledge with a Truth or Consequences game and earned special prizes. Thursday’s activity included the sidewalk chalk drawing contest. Twenty-one students drew pictures discourag- ing distracted driving. Friday wrapped up the activities with assorted classes watching videos on the conse- > Continued on Page 2 Alaska Teen Media Institute youth continue to thrive, get recognized for efforts It Pays to Nominate Teens for Spirit of Youth Awards For the past two years Spirit of Youth has partnered with the University of Alaska College Savings Plan to provide scholarships to award recipients. Impressed by Spirit of Youth’s efforts, UA has opted to increase the scholarship amount from $250 to $500 beginning in 2012. Nominate a teen for a Spirit of Youth Award today! www.spiritofyouth.org In 2003, Alaska ICE supported Spirit of Youth’s launch- ing of the Alaska Teen Media Institute to offer students mentorship in radio, print, video and web journalism. ATMI continues to be an engaging, innovative place for learning, self-expression, and skills sharing through a variety of media, on the radio and online. The teens at ATMI were recently recognized at the state level for their efforts with two Alaska Broadcasters Goldie awards (for Best News Feature) and three Alaska Press Club Awards (for Best Radio Feature, Radio Profile, and Best User-Submitted Online Content). To listen to the above stories, visit the ATMI website. ATMI teens are also making headlines nationally, with recognition coming from Search Institute. In an in- depth article highlighting ATMI as an innovative group of assert builders, Search makes clear that their work goes beyond the participating youth. “By reaching out to oth- ers through the media, the group is having an effect on the world around them as well.” (See the full article at: http://www.search-institute.org/hc-hy/teens-making- headlines) ATMI conducted a self-evaluation with an anonymous survey of a random sample of this year’s participants. The results show: • 100% strongly agreed that ATMI is a safe, caring and encouraging environment. • A 48% increase in awareness of community resources, activities and contacts through ATMI • 100% agree or strongly agreed that involvement with ATMI helps them feel like they make a difference. The team is excited about expanding the program by offering to host ATMI clubs in other Alaska communities. ATMI has created a handbook (for advisors and students) and other materials to help make this a reality. There are several potential groups with the readiness to pilot the program. For more information, or to get a club started in your community, visit: www.alaskateenmedia.org. Chugiak High School students learn from “dummy’s” mistakes