US Census is Coming
The beginning of a new decade marks the time for a federal census, a huge undertaking when every man, woman and child – citizens and non-citizens – counted.
Your 2010 Census form will arrive in March. One of the shortest census forms in U.S. Census history, the 2010 census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Responses to the census form should include everyone who will be living at that address as of April 1, 2010, the official day of the population count. (However, it is not necessary to wait until April 1 to complete the census form. Forms should be returned as quickly as possible.)
Mailing back a form ensures an accurate count and lowers the cost of the 2010 Census. For all forms that are not returned, census workers must visit the residences to complete the forms in person. The Census Bureau saves $60 to $70 per census form returned by mail, or approximately $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation.
Census form answers are safe and confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data.
So, please take 10 minutes to answer 10 questions as soon as you receive your census form.
It’s in your hands!
THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
- Census data help to determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments for important social services that affect local communities like ours.
- Census data are used to reapportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and for the subsequent redistricting of state and local governments.
- Census data can help fund services for people in poverty, establish facilities for people with disabilities, determine locations for hospitals and senior centers and forecast transportation needs, such as new roads and public transit options.
Providing an Education Focused on Innovation; DigiPen WaNIC Technology Academy
By Tarsi Hall, Digi Pen Institute of Technology
Starting Fall 2010, in partnership with the Washington Network of Innovative Careers (WaNIC), DigiPen Institute of Technology will host the DigiPen WaNIC Technology Academy, a preparatory level program based in science, technology, engineering and math. The Academy is for students in Northeast King County who are interested in video games, animation and/or robotics.
Through integrated and applied learning, students experience key principals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), all while doing what they love – programming video games, animating a 3D image or building a robot.
This program underscores DigiPen and WaNIC’s long-time commitment to closing the gap in STEM education. DigiPen is the pioneer of interactive digital media education, and WaNIC is a regional skill-center-cooperative consisting of seven school districts in Northeast King County.
The Academy program will be offered during and after the school day, and will provide students with the opportunity to get Advanced Placement (AP) in computer science or studio art along with college credit.
Old Redmond Historic
Walking Tour
If you live in Redmond, you probably drive along Leary Way daily. But do you know the histories of our oldest buildings? For instance, which building was both an undertaker's premises and a bordello? Tom Hitzroth will educate and entertain folks with walking tours that explore those histories.
This year’s dates are April 18, May 16, June 20, and September 19. Tours run from 1 to 2:30pm and walkers meet on the front steps of the Justice White House, 7730 Leary Way. A tour will not be held if it rains.
An $8 fee helps fund Redmond Historical Society research. Pre-registration is required. To register, phone or email the Redmond Historical Society office at 425-885-2919 or info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org
When enrolling in the DigiPen WaNIC Technology Academy program, students can choose their own academic adventure by signing up for one of the following multi-disciplinary tracks:
- Video Game Programming Academy (AP)
- Animation Academy (AP)
- Robotic Design and Development (Mechatronics) Academy
More Information
Informational sessions:
March 4, 16, 20, or April 7 and 24
www.digipen.edu/wanic