Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards Grant to Montana’s MAPS

"Clearly, Montana can and does compete on the national stage," Rosten says of the Academy grant. "Ultimately, it’s a reflection on what 12- to 17-year-old rural kids can do given the right setting, tools and people to lead them."

Among this year’s recipients is a program called Maps, which received a $5,000 Academy http://www.oscars.org/ grant on the eve of its 10th anniversary. Located in Montana, Maps http://www.mapsmediainstitute.org/ offers free afterschool courses in design, filmmaking and music to students, promoting creativity, innovation and critical thinking while introducing them to career opportunities in the digital media field.

Peter Rosten, a former Hollywood director who started the program, helps students produce professional projects such as short films and PSAs, earning three nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ northwest chapter this year for work such as the "Give Back" spot the org made on behalf of the Bitterroot Youth Homes.

Peter Debruge

Full Story: http://variety.com/2013/film/features/academy-awards-education-grants-1200501406/