JMA/CPBN selected to represent state of Connecticut in New England Competition
HARTFORD, Conn. (September 14, 2015) – Connecticut Public’s Learning Lab, in partnership with the Hartford Journalism & Media Academy (JMA), have been nominated for the 4th Annual Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Lawrence W. O’Toole Award. CPBN and JMA have been selected to represent the state of Connecticut and compete against all of New England to win a $100,000 grant.
Named in honor of Nellie Mae’s founding president and CEO, the Lawrence W. O’Toole Award is given out each year to an individual, organization, school, or district exhibiting great leadership through innovation or courage in moving student-centered approaches to learning forward in New England. The winner will receive a $100,000 grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
Students enrolled in the JMA program learn first-hand how storytelling and student voice can transform education. JMA students attend a satellite campus at CPBN, where they work alongside experienced journalists to produce content for the station while gaining 21st skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication. As part of the station’s Education Reporting Initiative, students are investigating the impact of student-centered learning policies and practices in the public education system.
This grant will help provide students with new experiences, advanced equipment, and scholarships to further their education in becoming the next generation of media professionals.
“This contest is an amazing opportunity for our students,” said Paul Pfeffer, CPBN’s Director of Education. “It will allow our school to build upon the model of student-centered learning and show what great things happen when students interests and passions are central to their learning.”
The public is encouraged to vote for JMA in representing Connecticut now through Wednesday, September 30. To vote, visit http://studentsatthecenterhub.org/votenow.
About Connecticut Public Broadcasting
The Connecticut Public (CPBN) is home to CPTV, WNPR and the Learning Lab. CPTV is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including original documentaries, public affairs and educational programming. WNPR is an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media. The Learning Lab serves high school seniors through a partnership with Hartford Public Schools and the Journalism and Media Academy Magnet School. It is also home to the Institute for Advanced Media, a program that provides the men and women of our armed forces and adult learners an opportunity to learn skills necessary for the 21st century digital media workplace. For more information, visit cpbn.org.