Innovative Program at Harrison High School Wins $30,000 Grant
An innovative program at Harrison High School has $30,000 more to use for its projects with non-profit organizations in the area now that the McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation has presented the program with an Academic Enrichment Grant for the next three years.
This philanthropic organization awards funding to programs with promise and opportunity which need funding to make their goals possible. The Center for Family and Community Outreach (CFCO) will receive the $30,000 this year and the next two years, dividing into $10,000 per year. The CFCO will use this new funding to provide documents and multi-media presentations for Evansville non-profits, as well as update technology and create a stimulating environment in the classroom.
The CFCO is a new half-day innovative model at Harrison High School that is open to all EVSC seniors, and is taught by Erinn Jankowski and Brandon Kneer. In the three-hour class, students earn four separate credits: English 12, Interactive Media, Business Marketing, and Community Service.
The class structure is run through an educational concept called “project-based learning.” Instead of traditional book work, the students take on the projects given to them by the non-profits to learn real life research, writing, speaking, marketing, and technology skills. Students also go on-site for volunteer rotations and career exploration as well as conduct “round table” events over local social issues.
Thanks to the McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation, this program will be able to provide top-quality materials to Evansville not-for-profits for many years to come. Grant money will provide for technology, transportation, room materials, and an annual budget.
