Water Tech & A School Grows in Brooklyn

A big thank you to Vince Capri who earlier this week in Chicago on behalf of the Nanobusiness Alliance presented a check, made out to Coney Island Prep, to me after my opening keynote. What a class act.

I hold the deep belief that kids, especially inner-city kids, need two things: the right heroes and a deep desire to learn. Usually the former results in the latter. Nearly two years ago, I was recruited by passionate and visionary school founder, Jacob Mnookin, to become founding Chairman of Coney Island Prep--the first ever charter school in my native Coney Island Brooklyn. We opened our doors last week to 90 5th graders for our inaugural class of 2021 (their future college graduation date set in their minds now), adding a new class every year until we reach grades 5-12.

The governance, staffing, financials, marketing and strategic decisions are not so different from high-tech startup boards I sit on, but arguably the stakes are higher. Entrusted with children’s future and maximizing their (and their families’) chances of success in life is extraordinarily fulfilling.

A final reminder for Tuesday’s private invitation and chance to listen to Lux Research’s webinar: “Lux Research Water State of the Market: Global Energy - Unshackling Carbon from Water” on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT Register by clicking here.