MAPS : Media Arts in the Public Schools

Why interviews for an after-school program? Because 99% of our students get paid to make movies, design websites or shoot documentaries…so MAPS is a bit "different" than school.

MAPS students made 6 short, short videos about their MAPS experience and they can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/peterrosten

“We enjoyed reading the news article on how the MAPS program has been successful in teaching students the art of filmmaking. The fact that they are performing well in other core subjects as a result of this program is impressive and encouraging.” Edith Harvey, Director, Improvement Programs, Department of Education.

Students in MAPS will be filming a project this summer called "Downtown Ravalli County," in which kids will take video cameras to the streets and get input from tourists.

"It will be a way to help drive tourism, help our community enjoy each other," Rosten explained. "One of the great things about MAPS is kids from different high schools get to know each other and become friends."

On Saturday, March 27th at noon, MAPS http://www.mediarts.org will host a premiere of its 2010 student films at the Pharaohplex Theaters in Corvallis. Admission is free – young and old alike are invited to attend.

Two comedic/dramas produced and directed by our Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor and Darby high school filmmakers. And a documentary by the MAPs adult class.

Whether it’s a high school student, a continuing ed adult, or a member of Trapper Creek Job Corps, Rosten said the philosophy at MAPS is to get each student involved in all aspects of filmmaking.

When I first heard about this opportunity I was so excited to be apart of it. Things like this don’t come along every day."

Rachel Toupin

On Saturday at Westview (from 4-7 p.m.), Rosten and the MAPS family will celebrate Rowley and inaugurate MAPS’ Jake Rowley Memorial Scholarship.

The MAPS Media Institute, the major funding for which comes from the 21st Century Learning Center out of Helena, also offers classes in documentary and journalistic production and Web design and has professional facilities and equipment for each discipline.