Buckeye’s Arts and Multi-Media after School Experience
Brief overview of proposed project/program:
Knowledge is power and with that power comes the ability to change lives, influence others, inspire the world and most importantly affect positive change within the Buckeye-Woodland Hills community. Many of the youths in the Buckeye–Woodland Hills community are not afforded a valued well-rounded academic experience. This situation is all too typical in the public school system serving minority and low income youths. The public schools in the Buckeye-Woodland Hills community are financially overextended, lack current text books and are void of the latest technology, i.e., computers, multimedia software and video/media equipment. Research has shown that middle school curriculums that are varied and offer programs in arts and multi-media technology are catalyst to youths continuing their education at the college level; which can lead to exploring new economic endeavors that would not otherwise be known.
Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corporation (BSSDC) in collaboration with the Saint Luke’s Foundation and Metro Health Buckeye Clinic - Healthy Eating Active Living program, and Harvey Rice Middle School propose to provide a series of after school programs focusing on increasing knowledge and awareness of new digital media and the creation of digital media production. Twenty middle school disadvantaged minority youths will participate in the proposed after school multi-media program. The program is designed on a platform that will provide the youth with basic education of language skills; competency in digital media including video and sound technology proficiency; entrepreneurial skills through youth development focusing on leadership, minority youth brand building and increasing the Buckeye youth social capital and capacity. The arts and multi-media after school program seeks enrollment from minority at risk middle school aged youths in the Buckeye-Woodland Hills neighborhoods.
The arts and multi-media after school program (free to the participating youths in good academic standing) will provide a structured curriculum to underserved minority children that will be exposed to art and educational opportunities through the development of programs focused on new digital media and multi-media technology. The proposed program will create a culture of new digital media focusing on arts and culture in the Buckeye-Woodland Hills community. This program will be established through a strong collaboration of youths, community leaders, organizations and digital media professionals.
Buckeye’s art and multi-media afterschool program is designed for today’s technologically driven society and offer youths an environment that will make learning fun, exciting and challenging. Program participants will learn how to make music, news and documentary videos. Youth participants will be exposed to the essentials of still photography. Our not-so class room settings will guide the students through the ‘who, what, where, when and whys’ of journalism and blog creation. We give them the skills to be able to go out into the world with their heads held high and to make a way, not only for themselves, but for their communities…and the world. The outcome will bring new business owners, young entrepreneurs and positive leaders into our communities.