PRIME TIME Spring 2012 Louisiana Grant Applications Are Now Available!

With the start of 2012 the Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) begins celebrating 10 years of PRIME TIME in Nebraska. Over their decade of implementing PRIME TIME, NHC has...

• Impacted 14 Communities
• Recruited 26 Sites
• Funded 84 Programs
• Served 4,200 Individuals
• Invested $605,000

From 2002 through 2011, the NHC implemented 85 highly successful PRIME TIME programs throughout the state (this is the second highest number of programs outside of Louisiana). In 2002, the NHC received one of several NEH national expansion grants that provided funding and resources for the completion of one PRIME TIME program. In 2004, the NHC came on board as a self-funded affiliate. Since receiving the initial funding for a single PRIME TIME program, the NHC has not received additional national expansion grants from the LEH.  Each of the 84 additional programs occurred as a result of the council's diligent fundraising efforts and overwhelming commitment to bringing high quality humanities programming to families in need. To date, the NHC plans to complete 6 additional programs during Spring 2012.

In response to the needs of the many communities it serves and in an effort to expand the reach and impact of PRIME TIME in Nebraska, the NHC is working to further diversify its programming.  Already a pioneer of bilingual and multicultural programs, the NHC has implemented PRIME TIME programming which targets the Native American population and has developed a special series of books which highlight Native culture and folktales.  The Nebraska Humanities Council is working in partnership with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs to determine the next site for Native American PRIME TIME. Also, in 2011, the NHC began a partnership with Omaha Public Schools to implement bilingual school-based PRIME TIME programs for Spanish-speaking and Karen families.  In August 2011, 14 educators from the school system were trained on the PRIME TIME methodology and program implementation.

  
 The LEH and PRIME TIME greatly appreciate the Nebraska Humanities Council as well as its supporters and partners for their commitment to literacy and the humanities on behalf of Nebraska's families.  Visit www.nebraskahumanities.org to learn more about PRIME TIME programming in Nebraska.

On Saturday, March 3rd the Urban League of Greater New Orleans will host its 6th annual Schools Expo at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from 10am-2pm.  This event has become critical in creating equity in school choice while building a brighter future for all children. By providing a one-stop shop, parents learn about most school options in New Orleans. Targeting parents and guardians of children entering grades Pre-K - 12, the goal of the Expo is to allow parents the opportunity to apply to all public schools in New Orleans; including public charter schools; meet with school representatives; learn about the new enrollment process; learn more about the Louisiana Student Scholarship (voucher) Program and eligibility requirements; access community resources throughout the city; enjoy free food and festivities; and receive free uniform vouchers, backpacks, and school supplies.  The PRIME TIME staff will participate by hosting a community resource booth, and sharing details about PRIME TIME, its success, and ongoing programs in the metro area with local parents in attendance.

With continued funding and support from the New Orleans Kids Partnership, the 2012 Connect2Educate Notebook will also be released during the 2012 Schools Expo.  For the second year, the Connect2Educate Collaborative has partnered with the New Orleans Kids Partnership and the Urban Leagues Schools Expo to release the 2012 Connect2Educated Notebook, and host a community resource area where organizations included in the Notebook will have an opportunity to share details of their programs with parents and school leaders. 

ABOUT THE CONNECT2EDUCATE NOTEBOOK:  Each year since 2009, the C2E Collaborative has published the C2E Notebook, a 100 plus-page guide detailing more than 100 community resource providers whose programming is offered to public schools, public school students and their families.  A searchable and downloadable PDF of the Notebook will also be available at www.connect2educate.org after the Schools Expo. 

PRIME TIME and C2E are proud to participate in this important community event once again, and we thank the Urban League of Greater New Orleans for its collaborative spirit and hard work on behalf of New Orleans' families.