State Farm Insurance has awarded the MAPS Media Institute $7,500 to fund the continuation of MAPS "Give Back" program.

MAPS "Give Back" tradition began in 2010 when it donated (pro-bono) time, services, equipment and student talent to the Valley Veterans Center. The goals and objectives of pro-bono student work are engaging our students in community projects to broaden their awareness and sensitivity to others in need.

This is the second award MAPS has received from State Farm https://www.statefarm.com . In 2012, State Farm became a MAPS fee-based client and commissioned four public service announcements for television broadcast. In 2013, three of the PSA’S were honored with "Awards of Excellence" by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, NW. This honor is the equivalent of a student Emmy award.

Says Daniel Losk, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist: "Throughout the relationship with MAPS students and staff, the creativity, completed work, and testimonials by beneficiaries has been nothing short of exemplary and far exceeded proposed outcomes."

The 2014 "Give Back" project will be collaboration with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force. Ironically, in 2005, the DUI Task Force became MAPS first fee-based client and this engagement has led to a long series of MAPS professional services for a wide variety of clients, among them: Montana’s Office of the Governor, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Montana Hope Project et al.

Says Glenda Wiles, Executive Director, DUI Task Force: "For the last seven years the DUI Task Force has presented the Impaired Driving Education Program in the schools.  By making a positive impression on our youth we have seen a significant decrease in alcohol possession by minors."

Guiding the project for MAPS will be Co-Film Teacher and MAPS graduate, Erin Belmont. Last year, Erin produced the pro-bono "GIVE HOPE" video for the Bitterroot Youth Homes. It too was nominated for an "Award of Excellence" by NATAS, NW.

Says Erin Belmont: "Our pro-bono projects are great teaching moments.  The students get to use their technical skills in a real-world professional setting outside the classroom.  They also gain perspective about needs in our community they might not otherwise be aware of.  It’s a great partnership for all of us."

Not only is service learning an important component of the student experience, but MAPS programming also has a demonstrated impact beyond the scope of the MAPS classroom, with 90% of MAPS students receiving a C or better grade in English, 90% believing in the value of graduating High School, and 85% of MAPS students going on to attend college (compared with an average county college attendance rate of around 30% http://www.montana.edu/wwwextec/countydata/Ravalli.pdf). 10.97% more of MAPS students achieved proficient or higher scores in Math and 7.27% in Reading in 2012-2013 as compared to non-participants. MAPS continues to promote success both inside and outside of the classroom – through encouragement, challenge and a focus on sustained work. (OPI assessment report)

For more information, please visit our website, http://www.mediarts.org or call (406) 370-3745.

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State Farm gives $7,500 to MAPS program

State Farm Insurance has awarded the MAPS Media Institute $7,500 to fund the continuation of its "Give Back" program.

MAPS "Give Back" tradition began in 2010 when it donated time, services, equipment and student talent to the Valley Veterans Center in Hamilton. The goals and objectives of pro-bono student work are engaging students in community projects to broaden their awareness and sensitivity to others in need.

Full Story: http://ravallirepublic.com/news/local/article_db82ceac-9b6e-11e3-98a9-0019bb2963f4.html