Mitch Aiken, M.Ed

Mitch Aiken brings the resources of the media, technology and education communities together to engage teachers, students and the general public in exploring a broad spectrum of science and arts content.

As Director of Education at the X PRIZE Foundation, he partnered with federal agencies, industry, youth organizations and foundations to develop and implement STEM education outreach for competitions in the fields of energy, environment, life sciences and exploration.  He directed a $3.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to create a standards-based online knowledge center, a national contest for youth, and interactive exhibits at science centers nationwide. He developed the inaugural FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award in partnership with FIRST Robotics, and ran a student film competition for the Oil Cleanup X CHALLENGE.

For DISCOVERY EDUCATION he conducted intensive professional development for K-12 faculty in school districts nationwide, modeling effective use of Discovery's online curriculum services.

At the AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE he directed the creation, operation and growth of the AFI Screen Education Center, delivering curriculum products and professional development services to educators nationwide. He directed staff and consultants in creating project-based, standards-aligned curriculum modules, including Lights, Camera, Education!

As Director of Education and Interactive Media at KCET, Aiken guided the use of emerging media to deliver programs and services to an increasingly technology savvy audience, developing the station's award-winning website and programs for KCET's Interactive Media Center.

His published articles include Empowering Students Through Filmmaking, ONCUE JOURNAL; AFI's Center for Student Film, TCEA JOURNAL; Arts For All!, LOS FELIZ LEDGER; Filmmaking Becomes a Regular Course in Public Schools, THE CAUCUS JOURNAL FOR TELEVISION PRODUCERS, WRITERS AND DIRECTORS.

Aiken currently serves on the My Hero Project Advisory Board and the AEM Academy Advisory Board for Pasadena USD and has presented at the US DOE Solar Decathlon, FIRST Robotics World Championships, GirlTopia Girl Scout Conference and Summit, Boy Scouts of America Jamboree Technology Quest, AltCar Expo, and the USC Rossier School of Education. He served on the CA Alliance for Arts Education Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008.

He received his BA in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures and his MEd in Educational Media and Instructional Design from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.