Education Notebook, May 21-27, 2015

UNLV SCHOOL OF MEDICINE NEARING SCHOLARSHIP GOAL

The UNLV School of Medicine has received commitments from local businesses, physician groups, families and community leaders to fund nearly all of the scholarships needed to cover tuition for all 60 students in the inaugural class, with each four-year scholarship estimated at $100,000. The school is scheduled to accept student applications in 2016 and begin classes in fall 2017.

The 60 By 16 Scholarship Drive launched April 9 with a goal to raise $6 million. With a month, the drive had already raised commitments of $5.2 million, enough for 52 scholarships.

NSC HOSTS LARGEST COMMENCEMENT IN ITS HISTORY

Nevada State College, 1125 Nevada State Drive in Henderson, celebrated its largest commencement ceremony May 9 at the Henderson Pavilion, graduating 350. That was a 62 percent increase from the 2014 spring commencement ceremony, which had 219 graduates.

For more information, visit nsc.edu.

POKER TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada plans to host its fifth annual poker tournament and VIP party from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 30 at Aria and The Deuce Lounge at The Shops at Crystals, both at CityCenter, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South. A Texas Hold ‘em tournament with a grand prize seat at the 2015 World Series of Poker’s main event is planned, along with entertainment, food and drinks. In addition to the grand prize, qualifying players will receive cash and recreational prizes. A raffle giveaway and silent auction also are planned.

Proceeds are set to benefit the local chapter of Junior Achievement. Last year’s event raised nearly $130,000, providing educational enhancement for 20,000 Clark County School District students.

Participant buy-in is $250. Spectator and party passes are $100 in advance and $150 at the door. To register, visit jalasvegas.org.

CHANGE REACTION CAMPAIGN ROLLS ON

The pay-it-forward Change Reaction campaign moved on to Griffith Elementary School, 324 Essex Drive, May 11. The campaign, spearheaded by Matt Smith Physical Therapy, involves a chain reaction of local Clark County School District schools and students giving back by giving gifts to other schools. At Griffith, 105 first-graders received student-made, educational math games and gift bags with snacks from fifth-graders in student council at Ronnow Elementary School, 1100 Lena St.

ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO REAL PROBLEMS

Inventions from 28 student engineering teams were set to be on display May 7 at Cox Pavilion Concourse at UNLV for the school’s Senior Design Competition. Entries included an autonomous security rover, designs for the world’s longest water slide and a design for elevated office desks.

The competition is the culminating project for UNLV’s undergraduate engineering students and is judged by local industry representatives with thousands of dollars in prize money on the line. The competition is intended to introduce students to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the benefits of commercial application.

UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS TO PERFORM IN ALL-STAR SHOWCASE

More than 750 low-income and disadvantaged students from 13 local elementary and middle schools were set to perform music and dance numbers May 7 during the 11th annual All-Star Showcase at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

Throughout the school year, these After-School All-Stars Las Vegas students worked after school to prepare their performances. Scheduled performances included a mariachi band, a choir, a drumline, hip-hop dance, cheer, ballet folklorico and drama.

For more information about ASASLV, visit asaslv.org or call 702-770-7601.

THE VENETIAN, PALAZZO OFFER SPECIAL RATES FOR EDUCATORS

The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and the Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, are offering special rates in June to educators from Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona, starting at $99 per night, plus tax and fees.

Mention the code EVEDUOF for The Venetian and EPEDUOF for the Palazzo when booking. Guests are required to present valid teacher identification at check-in from one of the qualifying states.

For reservations, call 866-659-9643.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING SET FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Partners in Policymaking plans to offer leadership training for people with developmental disabilities, parents and family members. The training is designed to teach the power of advocacy and change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. The program will provide information about issues and policies related to disability and develop participant competencies to become more effective in influencing policy development at all levels.

Parents of children with developmental disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply. Classes are planned from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. once a month through August at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road. Participants are expected to commit to all classes or complete makeup assignments. Remaining dates are: June 20, July 19 (in Reno) and Aug. 15. Participants will receive a stipend to help with child care and transportation costs.

For more information or to apply, visit nced.info/pip.