MAPS Begins New Classes Sept. 10, 2012

As it begins its 9th year, the MAPS Media Institute after-school program’s new classes start September, 10, 2012. And this year, MAPS has exciting new developments to report.

* MAPS will be adding a new MUSIC curriculum to its offerings. This curriculum addition joins the existing FILMMAKING and DESIGN classes.

* This year, MAPS officially opens its doors to Ravalli County eighth grade students. Previously, MAPS was exclusive to high school students from Hamilton, Corvallis, Stevensville, Darby and Victor high school districts.

* MAPS has requested from the Office of Public Instruction permission to award a state-approved credit to attending MAPS students. Subject to school board approval(s), permission was granted.

* MAPS has begun discussions with the University of Montana’s Bitterroot Community College to offer the MAPS program to post high school participants.

This year also marks the formation of MAPS Productions, a standalone creative unit that will create and produce all of MAPS client work. MAPS productions will be staffed by MAPS students who elect to participate in this ‘extra’ activity outside of their normal MAPS classroom commitments.

In conclusion: the MAPS 2011 – 2012 session was a great success and laid the foundation for this upcoming year. Among the many accomplishments:

* MAPS students created and produced four public service announcements for State Farm Insurance. One of them, "Graduation Matters", was aired on "The Colbert Report".

* MAPS other client work included the EMMY nominated documentary "No Limits, No Excuses" produced with Barb Schiedermayer for the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Department.

* In addition, MAPS produced multiple pro-bono, community based projects.

For the first time, MAPS hosted its inaugural summer session.

* MAPS students produced a public service announcement for Montana’s Office of the Governor about emergency preparedness.

* Next summer, MAPS students, if funded, will produce their first feature film.

For more information, please contact MAPS Executive Director, Laura Henderson @ 381-7230 or [email protected].

Peter Rosten

Founder & President

mapsmediainstitute.com

P (406) 370-3745

P.O. Box 750

Darby, MT 59829