By Michael Howell
After proving to be a highly successful after school program for students over the last eleven years operating from September to May, MAPS Media Institute is now expanding its operations through the summer.
MAPS founder and Director Peter Rosten said the change was made primarily due to student demand.
“They were asking, why not something in the summer, and we thought, why not?” said Rosten.
For years MAPS has offered afternoon classes in design, film, music and technology, free of charge to all Ravalli County public, private, home-schooled and faith-based students ages 12-17.
This year they added an entrepreneur class. Entrepreneur is a business readiness class geared to help MAPS students identify their interests, recognize their individual skills and how to turn these into 21st century career paths.
Rosten is proud of the way MAPS combines the real world of business with education. In 2005, MAPS acquired its first fee-based client and since then paying customers have included: Montana’s Office of the Governor, State Farm Insurance, and the Centers for Disease Control, among others. They have produced several commercials, public service announcements and documentaries, not only earning money but winning awards and in 2014, MAPS was honored as one of the “Top 50” after-school programs in the U.S. by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
But it is not all about study, nor is it just about business. In addition, the students learn many essential life skills, among them: critical thinking, innovation, communication abilities, teamwork, problem solving, and leadership.
In 2010, MAPS initiated its service-learning “Give Back” program whereby MAPS students and staff donate their time and talent (free-of-charge) to community organizations like the Montana Hope Project, Bitterroot Valley Youth Homes and many others.
“This pro-bono work yields important results for our students because giving back broadens their awareness and sensitivity to others in need,” said Rosten.
He attributes a lot of the program’s success to the structure of its organization.
“We operate with a horizontal hierarchy,” he said. “The kids are our partners. They gain confidence in interacting with adults on a one to one basis.”
So far about 25 students have submitted applications for the summer program. Although they are accepting applications and use them in planning, no student is rejected and may simply show up at the state-of-the-art facility located at 515 Madison Street, Hamilton.
“Any kid can walk in the door,” said Rosten. “We won’t slow things down so they can catch up, but if they can jump in and catch up, they are welcome.”
Students must have parental permission to participate. For more information go to www.mapsmediainstitute.com or call (406) 381-7230.