A press conference was held March 2, 2010, at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, California to discuss a new campaign in celebration of Dora the Explorer's tenth anniversary.  The new crusade, titled "Beyond the Backpack" will offer support for preschoolers and their parents as they enter school.

Cyma Zarghami, Nickelodeon president, said  "Dora has had a positive, and indelible impact on millions of young kids around the world since she first said 'vamanos' nearly ten years ago, and this Latina heroine is the perfect representative for this important new campaign to help preschoolers and their parents prepare for the big adventure of school." 

Zarghami was joined by the founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman for the announcement which revealed a wide array of events for preschoolers.  "The Children's Defense Fund has worked for over three decades to support the growth and development of our nation's children.  We have paid special attention to the crucial early years when so much brain and emotional development occur.  These foundational years can and must propel all our children towards healthy and successful lives. 'Beyond the Backpack' program will give parents tools to share unforgettable learning opportunities that stir the mind and spirit of their child.  This is the real power of education," cited Wright Edelman. 

The National PTA president-elect, Betsy Landry stated, "For decades, National PTA has provided parents with tools and resources to help them help their children succeed.  That's why we're proud to partner with Nickelodeon and the Children's Defense Fund on this effort that will work to ensure children are prepared to learn, and so they can reach their full potential."  National PTA will distribute educational materials to their national constituency and will co-author a parent's manual for allocation.  

"Beyond the Backpack" plans on making parents and teachers aware of the emotional, physical and experimental skills that preschoolers require for their transition into big kid school.  The objective of this campaign is to foster growth in social skills and emotional intelligence, early literacy and math skills, and in-school involvement and resources that include backpacks, school supplies and the fundamentals of health and wellness.

The group will be launching a website, www.dorabeyondthebackpack.com in April as a resource for parents and teacher to read and find information from the members of the advisory committee ( a group formed specifically to implement this monumental project) and their findings on school readiness.  The site will also provide downloads such as ABCs and 123s work, along with Dora the Explorer books that contain the same activities and educational techniques used by the show.  Links to specific articles that provide information on the key goals mentioned above will also be available for users.

Celebrity-designed backpacks will be the main attraction of a world-wide auction with proceeds going to grants, local organizations and funds to further develop this project.

Locally, Dora the Explorer will participate at community multicultural events in Houston, including the Junta Hispana festivities set for October 16 and 17, 2010.  Also, keep on eye open for the traveling Dora Live show to come later. 

This is a huge event, and important for our little ones.  So parents, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and help make the transition into school positive and easy for your child, and ultimately for you.