Our students amaze me every day. More and more, I am also impressed by the adults who add energy and excitement to our work.

Take last Wednesday. We gathered a group of professionals to review the community development projects I told you about in the last eNewsletter. They represented careers like architecture, finance and community activism with direct connection to the content of our students' projects.

As an authentic audience, they took one look at the projects and immediately recognized the impact they could have on the community.  Their critical eye added authenticity to our students' work as they pointed out how the buildings fit into the existing neighborhood, how the services offered fill a need in the community and whether the projects would be financially viable. I thought it was really cool to get their professional perspective. (Read more here...)

Without the input of an authentic audience, our students might see the projects as artificial exercises with no real-world impact. I know this honest feedback boosted the kids' confidence to finish the projects with pride.

Authentic audiences are an essential part of all TAF programs, from panel discussions to Exhibitions like the one below to the Juicy Jobs career exploration series. Adults with a vested interest in student work have many opportunities to show these kids that what they are learning today has relevance beyond classroom walls.

When is the last time you offered your expertise to a group of young people? You could be the person who inspires them to become an architect, biomedical researcher, civil engineer. And who's to say that one of our students couldn't invent the process or technology that solves one of your industry's great problems?

Authentic Audience Opportunity:

TAF Academy 6^th & 9^th Grade Exhibitions

Wednesday, December 15

5:30pm - 8:30pm
on the TAF Academy Campus

Students will present their projects-in-process on ancient and contemporary water management systems and the ethics, ecology and pragmatics of sustainable energy. Your professional observations and expert questions will add authenticity to the successful completion of these projects.

To join the audience,
RSVP to Jennifer Youngblood (jennifery@techaccess.org)

As we head towards the end of 2010, I want to thank each of you for the interest and support you offer TAF. In classrooms, at events and through donations, you are contributing to lasting, positive change in our children's futures.

Let me remind you to consider TAF as part of your year-end giving. Any contribution received by December 31 will give you an immediate tax benefit and will start off 2011 by helping our students in the classroom. Make your gift online or contact Lee Benner at leeb@techaccess.org to discuss your giving options.