Spark-O-Matic Digital Arts Mentoring recently received a generous $2,500 technology grant from Entergy Mississippi.
With these essential funds, our free, non-profit after school program at Medgar Evers Library in Jackson will be able to expand and update its technology so students in grades 6-12 are able to do so much more in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
“This grant will make a huge impact on our students’ learning, as they delve further into robotics, digital illustration, web design and other STEAM-based projects,” said Marc Leffler, program founder. “It’s very exciting for them to have up-to date tools to create, learn and explore.”
For example, with the new, refurbished MacBook Pro work stations the funds will be used to purchase, students can take their illustrations from their sketch books to new digital drawing tablets. The refurbished laptops will also come in handy for learning the computer language programing that is the basis for robotics, and other digitally-oriented endeavors.
“We are grateful for this grant, because it means that students now have the tools to gain the skills they need to succeed in our increasingly digitized world,” Leffler added.
In addition, the technology will enable Spark-O-Matic to expand the program from 10-15 students to 20-25 students per class.
Spark-O-Matic is an after school robotics and digital arts mentoring program serving educationally at-risk and economically underserved students in the community surrounding the Medgar Evers Library in Jackson, Mississippi.
Spark-O-Matic meets every Tuesday night from 5pm to 6:45 pm, and occasionally on Saturdays on robotics, documentary film-making and other projects. The mission of Spark-O-Matic is to engage and encourage students in developing STEAM-based robotics and digital arts skills to create, connect, and express themselves—while developing the digital literacy and digital citizenship skills essential for success in school, college and career.
Spark-O-Matic Robotics & Digital Arts 