SPC Microsociety Earns International Award

St. Philip’s College Microsociety Earns International Award

Nina McGrath of St. Philip’s College received the 2019 George Award for Outstanding Out of School Time Administrator at the MicroSociety Annual International Conference held in Tulsa, Okla. 

In 2013, St. Philip’s College became the first college in the world to house a MicroSociety summer camp for children. As a program administrator, known for her creativity and “dramatic flare,” McGrath ensures that the camp preserves the traditions of the historic college and provide opportunities for advancement to black and Hispanic youth from San Antonio’s eastside communities. St. Philip’s, now celebrating its 121 year, is located in an underserved area of the city.

MicroSociety www.microsociety.org is a leading international non-profit organization specializing in motivating students to succeed using real-world learning environments. Named after MicroSociety’s founder Dr. George H. Richmond, the George Awards recognize outstanding achievement of students, educators, parents and community partners in real-world learning. The George Awards were a major highlight of MicroSociety’s 27th Annual International Conference. 

MicroSociety believes that children learn best by doing. Its mission is to create learning environments that motivate students to learn by engaging them in the connections between the classroom and real life. For more than 20 years, the non-profit has provided the professional development, curriculum, and support needed to implement this innovative hands-on, experiential learning design serving K-12 schools. MicroSociety’s model extends far beyond basic economics education activities, a simulation, or a token economy. It educates the whole child by improving academic achievement while addressing critical issues of self-esteem, personal responsibility, social engagement, and 21st century skills development.