Press

Selection Highlights Shared Educational Values and Approaches to Help All Children

NEW YORK, NY – The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) announced today the selection of Learning Resources, Inc. as the recipient of its inaugural Corporate Leadership Award. The Illinois-based company is a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational toys used in homes, classrooms and museums around the world. Their products engage each child to strive toward their greatest potential, while supporting their individual learning style. Since its inception in 1984, the company has dedicated itself to designing award-winning products that enable both parents and teachers to go beyond traditional instruction and to instill in children a sense of wonder and a love of learning.

“Learning Resources shares CMOM’s educational values and pedagogies, with an emphasis on the importance of early childhood education, family learning and providing interactive tools and resources for all children across the learning spectrum,” said CMOM’s Executive Director, Andrew Ackerman. “Like our exhibitions and curriculums, Learning Resources’ products are steeped in the latest research in early childhood development and human cognition. By honoring their innovative work and passion for educating children, we are reminded of the importance of our work and reinvigorated in the process.”

Accepting the award will be CEO, Rick Woldenberg. A former lawyer and graduate of Princeton University and University of Chicago Law School, Woldenberg joined Learning Resources and was named CEO in 1998. During this time, the company grew from 15 to more than 150 employees worldwide, with sales in over 80 countries. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Northwestern School of Education and Social Policy.

“At Learning Resources, our products reflect our philosophy of education: The importance of developing good habits at a very early age; the value of learning through adventure, play and discovery; fun learning in a family setting; and research-based learning materials with outstanding content,” said Rick Woldenberg. “It is a great honor to be recognized by such an esteemed institution as CMOM, whose own innovative work helps so many better understand the crucial importance of the early years of life.”

“Recognizing the educational excellence exemplified by Learning Resources underscores CMOM’s local and national commitment to innovative approaches to health, education and the arts and overall educational achievement,” said halley k harrisburg, Chair of CMOM’s Board of Directors.
In addition to these values, Learning Resources is passionate about philanthropic works that extend beyond the workplace. The company contributes to numerous charities and programs that support children and families in need.

Also at the Spring Benefit, held on the evening of May 21 at The Metropolitan Pavilion, CMOM will present the inaugural Laurie M. Tisch Award. This award honors an individual or family who best exemplify the extraordinary leadership role of Laurie M. Tisch as a philanthropist and innovative thinker in connecting the arts, health and education. This year’s honorees are sculptor and visual artist Sarah Sze and physician and author, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee (The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer).

CMOM’s bi-annual event takes place on the evening of Monday, May 21, will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan and attended by 400 leading philanthropists, corporate partners and government officials.

About Learning Resources, Inc.
Learning Resources® is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational products. The Company’s 1,200+ high-quality products designed by top educators are available in more than 80 countries. For more than 27 years, parents and teachers have trusted Learning Resources to turn their homes and classrooms into creative, motivational and multi-sensory environments where children find joy in learning and reach their full potential.

Learning Resources is focused on children and their families, kindergarten, primary, and middle-school markets, offering innovative educational products in the areas of early childhood, mathematics, science, language arts, STEM, Spanish language, ESL/ELL, Response to Intervention, social studies, special needs and teacher resources. Among the Company’s brands are Pretend & Play®, Smart Snacks®, Smart Splash®, New Sprouts™, Gears! Gears! Gears!®, Primary Science, now!Board™, simple technology, Hands-On Standards® publications, Radius® Audio Learning System, Rainbow Fractions®, Reading Rods® and Reading Rods® en Español. Learning Resources is headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, with a European office based in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England.

For more information visit www.LearningResources.com.

About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds. For details on all of CMOM’s programs, please visit www.cmom.org.