American Electric Power (AEP), Battelle, The Columbus Foundation, Nationwide and PNC  will serve as  2011 Champion Partners for Champion of Children, an initiative of United Way of Central Ohio. 

These engaged local organizations are coming together to help support the important work of Champion of Children as it continues to be the community's comprehensive voice focused on issues of early learning, specifically kindergarten readiness and school success for those most economically at-risk, and how these issues impact our families, schools and communities. Each Champion Partner  recognizes the interconnectedness of the entire educational journey and understands the importance of the quality and success of each stage of the learning process.

As part of their partnership role, the Champion Partners  will co-host Champion of Children’s 18^th annual culminating event to be held Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 4:30pm - 7:00pm at COSI. This year's theme, connecting the dots...for all children in all places, will stimulate a robust dialogue around the  long-term vision of ensuring our children are successful students who become productive adults..

Being part of United Way of Central Ohio, and bringing together the Champion Partners will allow Champion of Children to engage more people in its work of  creating community conversations that build awareness and support for school readiness goals and outcomes for all children in central Ohio. Champion of Children's community conversations and partnerships support and enhance United Way of Central Ohio's four building blocks of a good life: quality education, stable income, good health, and safe and decent housing.

"We are pleased to join with this year's Champion Partners who are proven leaders in their commitment to successful learning outcomes for children," said Linda Kass, Champion of Children Chair. "We look forward to working with them to support a holistic community approach that ensures learning success for all children in Franklin County."

The 18th annual Champion of Children culminating event will take place on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at COSI.  The televised news panel discussion moderated by Fred Andrle will be from 4:30-5:30pm in Battelle Studio. The 2011 Champion of Children award presentation and reception will take place immediately after the taping in COSI Atrium.

For more information on Champion of Children please visit www.liveunitedcentralohio.org/champion-of-children or call Staci Collier, 614.227.2766.