"It's tough to run a newspaper and a magazine in a media academy with just one decent camera.
That's the situation right now for us at the Green & Gold Newspaper and Tiger Talk Teenage Magazine in Room B-3 of Media Academy High School in East Oakland, California.
"It's tough to run a newspaper and a magazine in a media academy with just one decent camera.
That's the situation right now for us at the Green & Gold Newspaper and Tiger Talk Teenage Magazine in Room B-3 of Media Academy High School in East Oakland, California.
My students put out excellent publications, especially considering the odds they face in their low-income, high-crime neighborhood. (You can visit our online site by going to www.media-academy.net, clicking on "newspaper" and clicking on "click here.")
They could put out even better publications if they didn't have to wait until another student returned the camera to take a picture of breaking news.
My students would use this camera every day. The camera would produce photographs viewed by 1,600 students at the Fremont Federation of High Schools, as well as countless others who see the publications online or through publication exchanges.
The more I can simulate a real newsroom for my students, the more likely they might go on to college and take up the profession afterward. My school is 99 percent minority. A successful high school journalism experience for them could mean more diverse professional journalists and better coverage of our changing population in the future.
This camera will be the second provided by Donors Choose. The first one has made a huge difference and we are grateful!
Our newspaper and magazine needs one more decent camera.
The cost of this proposal is $518, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ."
Ms. S. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Dec 20, 2007
Dear Poe, Little, Starren Partnership, Carla, Audrey and Daniel,
I am thrilled to hear that generous donors have helped my inner-city students tell their stories through photographs with a new digital camera. This couldn't have come at a better time, as one of our cameras just broke and my students are more enthusiastic than ever to put out quality publications.
To see what one of my students recently wrote, please enter "Jamari" and "PBS" into your favorite search engine. You will find a very gripping story from a student journalist who is sure to use the camera you have so generously helped DonorsChoose to purchase.
Sincerely,
Lisa S
Media Academy
Oakland, California
On Mar 6, 2008, Ms. S. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.