|
Weaving technology dreams for at-risk youths
DOVER — Learning to make movies or design websites isn't an affordable option for most
Granite Staters.
Particularly not for youths whose parents already work hard to make ends meet.
But a new nonprofit organization taking root in Dover aims to change that by offering
workshops on professional-level web development, movie editing and other digital skills.
Digital Media Academy — which kicked off its first week of camp Monday at the McIntosh
College's Academy of Design and Technology — was founded by Helene Edelstein through
a seed-grant from the Fuller Foundation and seeks to offer at-risk youth opportunities they
weren't likely to have otherwise.
"Both of my parents are artists, and I know how making something beautiful, it can improve
their self esteem," Edelstein said Monday. "To help build both self esteem and the arts, I
decided we'd focus on developing websites and producing movies, which will not only help
them express themselves but give them hands on exposure to the tools the pros use."
That means using programs like Dreamweaver and Photoshop, among others.
Consisting of two, weeklong technology workshops for youths age 12-18, the program
includes collaboration between DMA, McIntosh College, the University of New Hampshire's
Cooperative Extension and 4H Club, the Somersworth Youth Connection and the Dover
Housing Authority.
And while this first week of camp is comprised of 22 youths — 18 from Somersworth Youth
Connection and four from the Dover Housing Authority — and all are attending for free, the
program also is open to youths not associated with partnering nonprofits.
"It is available for children from the general public, although there is a charge in those
cases," Edelstein said, adding that the $150 cost is still well below that of most weeklong
camps.
The second such camp will be held at UNH and will be titled "Operation Military Kids."
Although it focuses on children in military families, it too is open to the public. DMA is still
taking applications for the second session, which kicks off on July 13.
"That session will include staying overnight at UNH and eating meals in the cafeteria,"
Edelstein said. "It's great exposure."
Anyone interested in attending a camp session or donating to the fledgeling nonprofit can email
Edelstein at infodmacademy.org, or visit their website at www.dmacademy.org for more
information.
"Any nonprofit who wants to partner with us is welcome to contact us," Edelstein said. "This
is a great way to provide kids with exposure to technology." |
