Oak Parker and architect Garrett Eakin explains how teaching kids about architecture opens their minds to opportunities they might not otherwise realize.



  We're so proud of our wonderful BASE Campers and their teachers for creating this fascinating and beautiful work of public art!



  This article doesn't just explain our summer mural project, it explains Fibonacci's Golden Ratio!



  Read the TribLocal story about the "Future Philanthropists" who chose our Geared Up (LEGO Engineering) program as the recipient of a $5,000 grant.



  Click here to read about the 7th annual student art show & auction at Fly Bird to benefit OPEF's Art Start program.



  Click here to read about 6th grade Julian and Brooks arts students and the stunning metal pieces up for public auction at Fly Bird in Oak Park.



  Click here to read about the competition, see photos and read a poem about the Vex Robotics club by one of our participants!



  Click here to read Kit Kadlec's story with a cool video about the Vex program and competition.



  Click here and read the third-to-last paragraph to see a really nice mention of OPEF from Dan Haley and Sophia Lloyd.



  Click here to read the Triblocal's preview of our February 5, 2011 Vex Robotics Competition.



  Click here to see photos of our Vex Robotics BASE Camp, featured in the July 7, 2010 Wednesday Journal.



  Click here to read Global Village Coordinator Seth Baker's editorial on the importance -- and the thrills -- of engaging young minds in science.



 

Judy Hsu did a great 4-minute story about the Oak Park Education Foundation's Vex Robotics program on her Channel 7 news show, on the morning of March 15. Click here to watch some of our fabulous students, teacher and volunteers in action.

  Many thanks to Mike Cramer and Harlene Ellin, who donated the proceeds from the Oak Park premiere of Mike's award-winning film, "Dear Mr. Fidrych," to the Oak Park Education Foundation. For more on this heart-warming film about baseball and childhood dreams, click here.



  The Oak Park Education Foundation has been in the news...

Our Architecture Adventure program was featured in: "Longfellow students to unveil mini-golf course," Oak Leaves, January 14, 2009. Speaking about the architectural models students built with architects as obstacles for a mini-golf course, project co-coordinator Sophia Lyman said, "They're quite large. The Sears Building is 5 1/2 feet tall. They've also done the Pritzker Pavilion, and it's 5 feet long, 3 feet wide."

Our Geared Up program was featured in "Learning, Lego by Lego," Wednesday Journal, December 10, 2008. "It's really hands-on," said teacher Ms. Martin. "Instead of listening to me talk or sitting and reading out of a book, the students can learn by actually doing it. That's how most kids learn."



 

Oak Park was just named one of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People by the America's Promise Alliance. The Oak Park Education Foundation took part in the application, and America's Promise chose to feature OPEF and Art Start in the brief description of why Oak Park is a great community for young people. Click here and roll your mouse over Oak Park on the map to read about us.

The America's Promise Alliance identifies cities and towns nationwide that have made the well-being of children and youth a top priority. This year's competition was the most competitive to date, with hundreds of communities submitting applications detailing a variety of innovative and effective programs.

 

Click here to read about middle schoolers experimenting with architecture