Chicago Ideas Week Opens Call for Entries Recognizing Outstanding Chicagoland Students, Teachers and Individuals

CHICAGO, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) announces the call for entries for the Idea Awards, honoring Chicago-area students, educators and community leaders. These awards were created to acknowledge some of Chicago's most innovative individuals, as distinguished by their use of new ideas and the positive, measurable impact they have in the community. Winners will receive an invitation to a special think-tank moderated by Chicago Ideas Week speakers, special recognition by community leaders during Chicago Ideas Week, and the best seats in the house for TEDxMidwest, a highlight of Chicago Ideas Week.

The Chicago Ideas Week Idea Awards are open for entry via nomination from July 14-September 1, 2011 and include:

CIW Fellows

• Who should apply: Talented individuals under the age of 35 who are making a positive difference in their community or industry through innovative ideas.  These are the leaders and change-agents of tomorrow who are making a significant impact on their local and regional communities today.
• Requirements: All applicants must be living in the Midwest, have a proven track record of success, and be committed to both innovation and community outreach. Also, all applicants must be available to attend TEDxMidwest (October 13 and 14, 2011).

CIW Star Teachers

• Who should apply: Educators distinguished by exceptional accomplishments and impact in the classroom, which they achieve through innovation. These educators should be able to demonstrate their use of new ideas, methods, technology, or other innovations that make their educational efforts visionary and meaningful.  
• Requirements: All applicants must be teachers currently employed by any public or private school in the broader Chicagoland area, inclusive of suburbs within 100 miles of Chicago.  Teachers must have at least two years of experience, plan to continue their work in education, and be available to attend TEDxMidwest (October 13 and 14, 2011).

CIW Student Scholars

• Who should apply: Exceptional high school students who are distinguished by virtue of their innovation in or out of the classroom. These are students engaging in bold initiatives, demonstrating leadership, and embodying the spirit of new ideas and innovation in their schoolwork and/or extracurricular endeavors.
• Requirements: All applicants must be high school students currently enrolled in any public or private school in the broader Chicagoland area, inclusive of suburbs within 100 miles of Chicago. Students must have a proven history of innovation inside and/or outside of the classroom, and be available to attend TEDxMidwest (October 13 and October 14, 2011). 

"We are proud that Chicago Ideas Week has the opportunity to recognize the exceptional community leaders we have in our city and region," said Jessica Malkin, Associate Director of Chicago Ideas Week. "We will recognize the future of Chicago and our country, and those who embody the mission of Chicago Ideas Week to create meaningful change through new ideas, initiatives, and innovations."

Chicago Ideas Week will host more than 110 speakers at 60 events at more than 40 locations throughout Chicago. Global visionaries and local innovators alike will converge at historical and cultural institutions in Chicago during CIW to experience riveting speakers while exploring, celebrating, and sparking new ideas.

Applications for the Idea Awards will be accepted through September 1, 2011 and winners will be announced the week of September 19, 2011.

For more information on Chicago Ideas Week or to apply for an Idea Award, please visit www.chicagoideas.com.

About Chicago Ideas Week

Chicago Ideas Week is an annual seven-day celebration of ideas, innovation and community, with a focus on bringing the world's best speakers together with the Midwest's best thinkers. It is the platform for ideas, created for innovators, thinkers, doers and interested members of Chicago and the greater Midwest. CIW's goal is to stimulate new initiatives and ventures, create new connections and collaborations, and establish a community of people who have the desire to achieve great things. For more information, please visit www.chicagoideas.com.

SOURCE Chicago Ideas Week