Public Prep Network Honors Whoopi Goldberg, Barclays at Third Annual Namesake Luncheon and Announces the Joan Ganz Cooney 'Great Start' Pre-K Program

NEW YORK, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Prep Network, a non-profit that operates three tuition-free, elementary and middle schools in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in New York City, held its third annual "Namesake Luncheon" yesterday. The luncheon is part of Public Prep's Namesake Program, which introduces positive female role models, naming school classrooms after the distinguished honorees. During the luncheon, Public Prep also announced the introduction of the Joan Ganz Cooney 'Great Start' Program.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/NY05504)

This year's honoree was Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg, a respected actress/comedienne, education advocate, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Ms. Goldberg closed her acceptance speech by stating, "You could've given this award to someone more deserving—but you couldn't have found someone more appreciative."

Barclays was honored for its various initiatives in support of Public Prep. Ros Stephenson, head of Corporate Finance and M&A at the company, accepted the award on their behalf.

Later in the program, Ian Rowe, CEO of Public Prep Network (formerly of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, MTV, and the White House) announced the launch of a high-quality Pre-K program as part of the network's integrated 'Pre-K to 8' educational experience. "We have received so much help and guidance from our brilliant partners at Sesame Street," said Rowe. "Which is why I am delighted to announce the launch of the Joan Ganz Cooney 'Great Start' Program." Cooney, co-founder of Sesame Workshop, is credited with helping millions of children around the world learn to read. The program, set to launch in 2014, is seen as an important initiative given the recent and drastic funding cuts in early education across the country.

About Public Prep Network
Public Prep Network is a non-profit organization that develops single-sex, tuition-free elementary and middle public schools. Public Prep currently operates three schools: Girls Prep Bronx Elementary School, Girls Prep Lower East Side Elementary, and Girls Prep Lower East Side Middle School. Public Prep Network currently serves over 940 students, and looks forward to launching Boys Prep Charter School and Girls Prep Bronx Middle School in 2014. Each Public Prep Network school classroom is named after an inspirational woman. These classroom "namesakes" are selected as outstanding women of achievement whom students study, can identify with, and aspire to be.

Media Contact:
Evelyn Garcia
Kennedy Spencer, LLC
646-290-8242
[email protected]

SOURCE Public Prep Network