$50K Education Grant Awarded to Jacob Burns

Jacob Burns Film Center's Media Arts Lab will continue its quest to bring technology into local students' classrooms with a $50,000 grant recently awarded by the Verizon Foundation.

"The JBFC is thrilled to receive this grant from the Verizon Foundation," JBFC Director of Education Programs Emily Keating said in a statement. "Giving students the tools and knowledge to communicate visually is imperative in this media saturated culture. Access to tablets enables students to develop important technical and literacy skills in an interface that is intuitive and exciting.”

According to the Verizon Foundation website, the organization supports non-profit organizations that focus on education, healthcare and sustainability.

"The grant will further the JBFC’s mission and Verizon’s commitment to change the way teachers teach and students learn by innovatively integrating technology into the classroom to enhance student learning," JBFC said in a press release.

The Pleasantville organization plans to use the funds for three of its programs—Minds in Motion (for fourth graders), Digital Storytelling (for teens and young adults) and Reel Change (for teens).

"Specifically the funds will be used to purchase iPads, for curriculum expansion and development, along with equipment accessories, and to help fund faculty and staff salaries, professional development, and volunteer training," according to the statement.

The educational programs at Jacob Burns Film Center attract students and adults from around the Westchester County area.

"The Verizon Foundation is focused on supporting programs that use technology to help students achieve," stated Justina Nixon-Saintil, director of education initiatives for Verizon Foundation. "We’re proud our grant will further enhance JBFC’s existing educational programs and take them to the next level."

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