WWW.STUDENTSREBUILD.ORG is Launched

$500,000 CHALLENGE GRANT TO REBUILD SCHOOLS IN HAITI

Architecture For Humanity, Bezos Family Foundation and Global Nomads Group Combine Forces for New Initiative

SAN FRANCISCO, May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Architecture For Humanity, the Bezos Family Foundation and Global Nomads Group have partnered to create "studentsrebuild.org," a $500,000 matching challenge grant and call to action for junior high and high school students around the globe to help rebuild stronger, safer, permanent schools in Haiti.

"Schools and learning are vital to rebuilding," says Cameron Sinclair, co-founder of Architecture For Humanity. "We urgently need to restore a sense of normalcy in these young hearts and minds and not allow this tragedy to dictate how they see their future. This is an opportunity for young people here to see how they are connected to the global community and learn the real challenges of rebuilding after disaster."

But, the goal is not simply to raise funds for the cause. Students can become real partners in the sustained reconstruction effort. Through interactive video, conversations with building professionals and live connections to Haitian students, they will learn first-hand how people can work together in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake to rebuild communities and lives. Partners also hope Students Rebuild participants take this opportunity to learn about philanthropy and make it a lifelong practice.  

"Global Nomads Group is about dialogue and exchange so it's important that students develop a deep connection to the people on the ground," says David Macquart, co-founder of Global Nomads Group. "Our live interactive broadcasts will enable participants to glean real insight into Haiti and the people who live there, not just their plight. At the end of the day, making connections with the people they help will make students' philanthropic efforts that much more gratifying."

The dynamic new site—studentsrebuild.org—will add content often: video, challenge team updates, curriculum, news from our partner field teams in Haiti, and more.

"If students, teachers and schools are looking for ways to help the people of Haiti, the Architecture For Humanity and Global Nomads Group team is an excellent choice," explains Jackie Bezos, who with her husband, Mike, founded the Bezos Family Foundation. "They will treat students and teachers as real partners, value their support and keep them informed of the progress in Haiti."

Participating teams are encouraged to get creative in their fundraising. For example, one team in Dallas raised more than $2,800 by asking fellow students to forego purchasing corsages/boutonnieres for a dance and instead, donated that money to Students Rebuild. In return, they received a simple gold ribbon to pin to their dresses.

THE CHALLENGE Donations are matched 1:1, up to $2,500 per team.

• The challenge is open to junior high and high school students and educators at schools worldwide. Create teams, brainstorm ideas and raise cash!
• All donations will go through Architecture For Humanity and will be matched by the Bezos Family Foundation up to $500,000.
• In order to encourage as many schools and teams as possible, we will cap the match of $2,500 per team. However, there is no limit on what teams may donate.
• The top three fundraisers will be recognized at the end of the challenge.
• Creative fundraising is a must! Students will have opportunities to exchange ideas with other participants. The most creative ideas, by a tally of votes, will be recognized at the end of the challenge.  

ACT NOW: Visit www.studentsrebuild.org to learn more and make a donation.

THE PARTNERS

• Architecture For Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999 to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, Architecture For Humanity brings design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed. Its disaster relief work in the Gulf Coast and Sri Lanka produced replicable models for effective reconstruction of devastated communities. Its 2009 Open Architecture Challenge: Classroom, paired students and teachers with architects, and drew entries from 342 schools, 3,600 students, 500 teachers and 1,200-plus designers. architectureforhumanity.org

• The Bezos Family Foundation The Bezos Family Foundation offers this challenge grant to schools, matching donations dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. It is a private, independent foundation established by Jackie and Mike Bezos—who along with their children and spouses—serve as directors. The Foundation works to strengthen educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of economic circumstances, and cultivate learning as a lifelong process that begins in early childhood. In addition to funding educational organizations, it has created two programs for public high school students: the Bezos Scholars Program @ the Aspen Institute and the Bezos Scholars Program @ the World Science Festival. Bezos scholars helped judge the Architecture For Humanity "Build a Better Classroom Design" challenge at the 2009 Aspen Ideas Festival. bezosfamilyfoundation.org

• Global Nomads Group (GNG) is an international education organization that enables dialogue and understanding among the world's youth through live videoconferencing exchanges. GNG brings the world into classrooms, connecting students to the people and places they often read about so they may learn first-hand about the global issues of our time. GNG's interactive programs from Port au Prince will allow participating students to meet face-to-face with their Haitian peers and learn directly from them how they are coping with the earthquake's aftermath. GNG's follow-up work will highlight the progress being made on the ground. GNG's programs have been conducted in over 40 countries and have reached over 1 million youth. All GNG programs are directly linked to school curricula, education standards and 21st Century Learning Skills. gng.org

SOURCE Architecture for Humanity