San Rafael (April 28, 2005) -- Edutopia, a magazine about the new world of learning published by The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), has been named Best New Consumer Magazine by the Western Publications Association (WPA). The magazine was also recognized for its innovative media kit and awarded Best Consumer Media Kit. Winners were announced this past Friday at an awards dinner in Los Angeles.
Edutopia launched in September 2004 as a bimonthly publication and will publish 10 times a year following the academic calendar, beginning in September 2005. Designed for educators, policy makers, parents, and influential individuals determined to transform education, the magazine profiles the heroes and villains of education reform, features cutting-edge schools, and regularly reports on innovations in science, art, and technology.
Commenting on the award, Edutopia publisher Cheryl Lucanegro said, "This is a tremendous honor for Edutopia and recognition that there is a need for a consumer magazine about the changing world of education. We are delighted that Edutopia has received such a warm welcome from the WPA, our advertisers, and the education community."
James Daly, editor in chief of Edutopia, added, "Everyone at Edutopia has worked extremely hard to create a new publication with compelling content about the challenges educators face, and the issues and ideas that both define and energize education today. To have our collective hard work recognized in this way is very flattering."
Milton Chen, executive director of The George Lucas Educational Foundation, said, "With the introduction of Edutopia, GLEF is now able to reach an even wider audience, helping us to achieve sweeping changes in education on a national scale. The WPA’s recognition of Edutopia and our mission is truly gratifying."
The Maggie competition, which this year totaled nearly 1,900 entries, is an annual event recognizing excellence in magazines published west of the Mississippi. Now in its 54th year, the WPA bestows awards on merit to publications whose work is deemed the best of the West in a wide variety of categories within the publishing industry.
About Edutopia:
Edutopia magazine and Edutopia.org are the latest products from The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), which produces documentaries and publishes books, DVDs, and CD-ROMs. Founded in 1991 by filmmaker George Lucas, GLEF is a nonprofit organization that chronicles and advocates innovative practices in education. To find out more about Edutopia magazine and GLEF’s resources, visit us at www.edutopia.org.