This fall, TQNYC staff brings news of a different sort: we are in danger of closing our doors. Possibly within the next two weeks. A major part of our backing is derived from banks and financial institutions, and while our staff and volunteers have worked hard all summer to raise funds, the money we need for our shoe-string budget has not come through.
2009 Event Winners Currently, we are talking with organizations that may be interested in funding/acquiring TQNYC. We are hoping that with their support, the work of TQNYC may be able to continue under someone else’s banner. An initial list of twelve possibilities has shrunk to four, and we’re crossing our fingers that something good will happen.
Though time for us is short, if you know of funders, companies or individuals who might see ThinkQuest New York City as a worthy investment, please contact us right away. We want to do everything we can to keep the programs alive.
With that in mind, we hope to resume training sessions and contest registration with a secured future (we even have a few training dates in our calendars). But until then, our operations are suspended. For those of you already working on projects, please keep going! Remember, it is the experience and completion of a project that is the true prize.
In the meantime, TQNYC staff would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your participation and support over the last eight years. Our organization has grown from 40 teachers and 200 students to 1,500 teachers and 23,000 students… all with a tiny staff, lots of volunteers, a wonderful Board, visionary educators and kids who know that learning is more meaningful (and fun) when it’s hands-on.
Please keep us in your thoughts and we will hope to report good news before the end of the month.
