Annual Report 2008-2009 - Salvadori Center

Dear Friends of Salvadori:
I am very pleased to report that despite the economic crisis the Center has completed another successful year. We brought
Salvadori programming to over 30 schools, community centers, cultural organizations and universities. The multi‐year
commitment and extensive teacher training of our GLOBE Program create the ideal environment for establishing Salvadori
pedagogy within schools. Our professional development institutes served educators throughout the metropolitan area, and our
presentations at national conferences drew large audiences. We are off to a strong start with BRIDGES, a National Science
Foundation‐funded after‐school program in New York City Housing Authority community centers.
Even the annual benefit succeeded by meeting our goal of netting over $350,000 for the Center. Each of our honorees was
outstanding: Ken Fisher for Business, Chris Ward for Public Service, and Robert A.M. Stern for Design. It was a terrific event that
was enjoyed by all who attended.
Last year I wrote that “Our nationʹs continuing lackluster performance in educating children in math and
science and motivating them to become the engineers and scientists we need for our future success as a society
are the very reasons the Salvadori Center’s work is so very important today.” This statement certainly
remains true, and motivates us to get our time‐proven techniques for getting kids to want to learn
math and science into as many teachers’ hands as we possibly can.
Finally, let me take this opportunity to recognize each of you who have worked so hard and given so
much to Salvadori. This includes our committed Board of Directors, our dedicated staff and
volunteers, our professional collaborators, and our generous donors – all of whom continue to
believe in us and our vision for better educational practice.
Sincerely,
Robert Selsam, Chairman
Dear Friends:
As my third year with the Center comes to a close, I am energized by the tremendous strides the Salvadori Center has made.
Using data from the independent evaluation of our programs, we have expanded and improved our offerings while meeting
the changing needs of young learners, educators, schools and out‐of‐school time providers.
The Center, one of the first built environment education programs in the country, continues to enliven Mario Salvadori’s vision
of improving education in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) fields. Our emphasis on professional
development for teachers ensures a lasting impact in schools by creating interactive and interdisciplinary
learning communities. It is so gratifying to hear tales of children understanding a math concept for the first
time, or having a teacher thank us for adding new ideas to her bag of tricks.
In 2008, we launched our National Science Foundation‐funded afterschool program BRIDGES to much
success. As we bring BRIDGES to additional centers each year, more and more young residents of the New
York City Housing Authority will expand their STEM learning through engaging hands‐on activities. As
the professional development provider to the YMCA of Greater New York, our work and influence in the
after‐school community continues to grow.
Please stay involved with the Salvadori Center. Share your wisdom with children. Help a teacher build a
bridge. Fund an after‐school project. Help make a real difference in the life of a child.
Avanti!
Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone, Executive Director