Wired for 2020 Event at the Mall of America

4/14/2009 2:54:00 PM

For Immediate Release

Minnesota and nationally-based corporations show youth how global innovation and technology will change the way they live, work and learn.

Mall of America, Bloomington MN (April18, 2009) – Thousands of youth and adults will get a chance to interact with hi-tech, interactive exhibits at the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota’s (MPM) Wired for 2020 event at the Mall of America on April 18th from 10am-5pm in the Best Buy Rotunda and West Market Square.  From the University of Minnesota’s solar powered race car to General Electric’s green technology used to clean our water supply, the event is designed to give today’s youth a glimpse of how global innovation and technology will influence changes in the future workplace and impact their lives by the year 2020.  With more than 20 exhibitors, youth can explore their future interests and see why it’s critical to have strong skill sets in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Wired for 2020 is MPM's year-long engagement campaign to recruit more mentors willing to help young people spark interests, support their passions and provide ongoing support that will help them fulfill their goals.  “The power of mentoring happens when mentors share their personal experiences with young people, says Joellen Gonder-Spacek, MPM Executive Director.  “Ultimately, all mentors want to help young people succeed.  To grow quality mentoring in Minnesota, we are building tools to help mentors provide greater counsel around helping young people discover personal strengths and interests, understanding what skills they need to contribute to the future workforce, and developing a path to success. When mentors feel better equipped to guide young people on their journey, they can make a bigger impact.”

Partners of the campaign include the Minnesota Business Partnership, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota High Tech Association, and the City of Minneapolis.

Wired for 2020 is presented by GE.  Additional sponsors include 3M, Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation, Federated Insurance, Qwest, Best Buy, Emerson Process Management, Thomson Reuters, and University of Minnesota.

MPM is also proud to collaborate with numerous innovative companies who have contributed their time and talents to build this exciting event to support youth and families:  Brite Media, Cinequipt, InCompass IT, Mall of America, Microsoft, Minnesota Computer for Schools, Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association, Mortenson Construction, On Impact Productions, Parsons Electric, Peggy Lauritsen Design Group, Schuster Company, Sierra Bravo Corporation, TEL.A.VISION, Whoop Design and zerOw reDesign.

The Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota was formed in 1994 as a community initiative to promote mentoring for Minnesota youth.  Its mission is to lead the state in building and sustaining quality mentoring for every child.  For more on Wired for 2020, visit www.wiredfor2020.com

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For more information on Wired for 2020, please contact:
Mai-Anh Kapanke
Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota
651-357-2823
Mai-anhk@mentoringworks.org