The Innovation award recognizes a short-term town-gown program that is created to meet a timely need.
2021 EduTutorVA:
Only the second time this category has been awarded, George Mason University recognizes EduTutorVA. The massive education disruption, caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has widened the already alarming gaps for K-12 underserved students. EduTutorVA was created to provide free individual or small-group tutoring by trained college students and alumni, including those from Mason and Northern Virginia Community College. The students receive targeted support in core academic areas, and the tutors receive a positive introduction to the teaching profession. To learn more about EduTutorVA, visit https://www.edututorva.org/.
2020 Rachel Picon and Maricza Hinnah:
A first-year award, this year’s recipients are timely indeed. George Mason University seniors Rachel Picon and Maricza Hinnah created a Facebook group called Northern VA COVID-19 Craziness Supply Exchange, a clearinghouse for finding, exchanging or selling supplies at cost, as well as a place to post if you need help because you are immunocompromised.
Ms. Picon mentioned, “Sometimes when we help others, it relieves our own anxiety and makes us feel we are making a difference.” Both students are graduating this year with bachelor of social work degrees.