The Chevron Open Minds Program, which was officially launched at The Rooms this week, provides teachers with the unique opportunity to move their class to The Rooms for an entire week. Based on what students are already studying at school, this innovative teaching program focuses on immersing school children in the behind-the-scenes world of The Rooms, allowing them special access to exhibitions, collections, vaults, and expert staff.

Teachers develop an interdisciplinary program in consultation with the Chevron Open Minds program co-ordinator at The Rooms. Each week is customized to suit the educational needs of the students. Based on the Open Minds education concept, the Chevron Open Minds Program at The Rooms emphasizes the value of allowing students to become immersed in new and engaging learning environments.

The Open Minds concept began as an experiment in 1993 when a Grade Three class in Alberta visited the Calgary Zoo every day for a week; the following year the Open Minds Zoo School Program begun followed by a similar program at the Glenbow Museum in 1995. Becoming the first corporate sponsor in 1995, Chevron Canada now fully funds six sites in Canada with Chevron Open Minds at The Rooms being the newest and only program east of Alberta.

"Chevron Canada is delighted to be able to bring the Open Minds Program to Newfoundland and Labrador" said Mark Nelson, President of Chevron Canada. Under a multi-year funding agreement, Chevron Canada will contribute more than $375,000 over three years to make possible the Chevron Open Minds Program at The Rooms. Four full-week pilot programs were facilitated in the spring of 2009, with students and teachers participating from four different schools within the greater St. John�s area. Chevron Open Minds at The Rooms will be fully implemented during the current 2009-10 school year, with at least 22 full-week programs planned.

"Through Chevron�s generosity the Open Minds Program continues to provide students with an exceptional opportunity to explore our province�s rich history and culture," commented Dean Brinton, Chief Executive Officer of The Rooms. "It is exciting to see this innovative educational program allowing students access to the important collections at The Rooms that tell the story of our province and our cultural and artistic history".

An additional 24 classes will benefit from the program during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years, respectively. Teacher information on how to participate in the Chevron Open Minds at The Rooms program can be found by visiting www.therooms.ca/schoolsandkids/open_minds.asp or by contacting, Stephanie Rowe Slaney, Chevron Open Minds Program Co-ordinator, 709-757-8069, stephanieroweslaney@therooms.ca.

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