MAPS : Media Arts in the Public Schools

A media arts program in Hamilton is one of 200 finalist organizations in the running for a national, $25,000 grant from State Farm Insurance.

MAPS founder and president Peter Rosten said the group continues to create and produce national, statewide and local projects through its nonprofit after-school program for Ravalli County high school students.

If you’re a MAPS friend, fan or family member, please click on this link https://www.state-assist.com/cause/578/maps-media-institute and vote for us. You can cast 10 votes for MAPS every day until April 22nd.

Every year, MAPS does two pro-bono projects for worthy organizations.

Rosten said their goal for MAPS Productions is to be able to employ students before and/or after their college experience.

Says Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Washington Foundation: "It is our pleasure to continue to support the MAPS program. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Our foundation’s continuing support of MAPS is well earned because they consistently achieve this goal."

"Working with MAPS seems like a natural fit because it encourages kids to help other kids. Not only have the MAPS students gained an understanding of what some of their peers are going through, but the project has also sparked an interest in filmmaking among our kids," said Laura Henning, Bitterroot Youth Home development coordinator.

She said that the project is allowing her and other MAPS students to expand their knowledge and see what they have taken from the program. Horlacher said the project will help them further understand what they have learned, by teaching others.

"Written, Filmed and Edited by MAPS students at HATCH, Bozeman 2012. Creative leaders discuss the creative process and the impact of creativity in our world.

MAPS will add a new music curriculum, which will join the existing filmmaking and design classes.