Center for Community Arts Partnerships Receives Federal Grant

December 7, 2012

The Center for Community Arts Partnerships (CCAP) at Columbia College Chicago will receive a grant from the Investing in Innovation Fund (i3 Fund) of the US Department of Education. Only 20 grantees were chosen from more than 700 applications for this highly competitive grant.

CCAP will receive $3 million over the course of three years to conduct “Convergence Academies,” a project in partnership with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district.

Drawing on the resources and expertise of Columbia, CCAP will create a new learning model that embeds digital media and technology into curriculum and instruction in CPS schools.

The model will include the creation of a K-16 continuum in digital media learning aligned to Common Core state standards; curriculum that integrates digital media with core academic content; intensive professional development for CPS teachers; opportunities for students to explore digital media outside of classroom time; and college readiness programming.

The goal of the project is to raise student achievement, increase technology and media skills that students and teachers need to succeed in the 21st century, and build students’ 21st century competencies and college/career readiness skills, such as media literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration.

David Flatley, CCAP executive director, states: “This project will transform teaching and learning to make schools relevant in the 21st century. CPS students will be able to critically consume, create and connect through meaningful digital media curriculum, and Columbia College students and faculty will enhance their own understanding and pedagogy of digital media and 21st century learning.”

Learn more about the "Convergence Academies" model by watching this video.