For East Grand Rapids middle schoolers with a passion for storytelling, media
production has become one of the most sought-after electives in the building. Now,
thanks to a grant from the EGR Schools Foundation, students in 7th grade Media
Production and 8th grade Broadcasting have the tools to match their ambitions.
The media electives have grown right alongside student interest in online video and
social platforms. Seventh graders learn the foundations of production planning, filming,
and editing, while eighth graders put those skills to work creating a 15–20 minute
broadcast — complete with school announcements, entertainment segments, and
classroom spotlights — that airs for the entire school every Friday.
Until recently, students were doing all of that on first-generation iPads that debuted in
2010. This grant changes that, advancing the program’s technology by more than 12
years and making a meaningful investment in the creative interests of EGR’s young
Videographers. "Prior to this grant, to create videos students were using first generation iPads that were as old as some of the 7th grade students themselves!" says teacher Colton Hook.
“I am so grateful for the new iPads because they allow for filming in amazing
video quality and have faster uploading times, which helps me spread the
broadcast’s creativity to the whole school,” says Sammy Messina, 8th grade broadcasting student leader.
Sammy’s enthusiasm reflects what the Foundation hears from students and teachers
alike—that access to current tools makes a real difference in what students can create
and how confidently they can share it.
The new iPads are built to last, which means this investment will support EGR’s creative
community for years to come. The Foundation is proud to help ensure that every
student who walks into Media Production or Broadcasting has everything they need to
bring their ideas to life.
