Lee Zeldin and Fred Thiele to visit Project MOST

Congressman Lee Zeldin “ignites” the East End with a visit Project MOST After School
Monday, February 23rd, 2015 -4pm tour -5pm Press Conference

State Farm® Youth Advisory Board Grant funds the creation of a Google Lab at two Project MOST sites in East Hampton. Lab to open February 23rd with East Hampton’s youth at the helm.

East Hampton, NY:
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board awarded Project MOST After School with a $31,000.00 grant to create Google Chrome Labs at the John Marshall Elementary School and the Springs School. The grant is called, “Igniting Minds in the 21st Century Classroom” and will become an enrichment activity at Project MOST. Project MOST has been supporting an expanded education model for students for the past 10 years. The State Farm collaboration project strongly supports the school day and will be a proven instrument in helping close the achievement gap.

When: Monday, February 23rd

Facilities Tour at 4pm

Check presentation and press conference at 5pm

Where: John Marshall Elementary School

3 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937

Guest of Honor: Congressman Lee Zeldin

Invited Guests include:

Assemblyman Fred Thieleman Jr.
Legislator Jay Schneiderman

East Hampton Mayor, Paul Rickenbach

East Hampton Town Supervisor, Larry Cantwell

Both schools are currently using Google Chrome Books as an educational tool to improve learning. This program will supplement the current curriculum by having Youth Leaders teach students in the mastery of educational applications like Khon Academy, Typing Tutors, 3D Solar System Simulator, Learn States and Capitals, Reading and Math Skills. This project will extend the school effort. Youth Leaders will run small group tutorials during the after school program. Kindergarten through 8th grade students will have the opportunity to work in small groups for 30-45 minutes on educational applications. These small groups will be facilitated by a Trained Youth Leader who will earn community service to graduate high school.

Youth Leaders will learn how to set up the mobile lab of Google Chrome books and guide students through a variety of educational applications. Youth Leaders will have the opportunity to reach out to the community by making presentations to parents and civic organizations. Youth Leaders will track student progress and conduct focus groups to determine milestones and possible improvements.

“Being on the State Farm Youth Advisory Board has allowed me to share my passion for service-learning with other highly motivated young people, and helped develop me as an individual,” said Marissa Brophy, Sophomore at East Hampton High School that currently is currently acting as the liaison between the high school students and the project. “It’s enlightening to see a corporation that realizes the power youth can bring in creating long-lasting change.”

Since 2006, the Youth Advisory Board has given grants to 526 communities, totaling over $35 million. The board members meet face-to-face three times per year. More information about expectations for members can be found on the YAB website.

“State Farm has long believed that for communities to thrive, young people must be empowered as leaders and decision-makers to address real issues. We’re excited to engage youth in our work and to have them help us foster youth-led service-learning programs and community enhancement programs in communities across the United States and Canada,” said Kathy Payne, Senior Director of Education Leadership.

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is comprised of 28 young adults ages 17-20 from communities across the United States and Canada. The board’s mission is to oversee $5 million in grant funding to address pressing issues that have a direct impact on communities. Youth Advisory Board members are responsible for identifying these issues, selecting the grant recipients, providing technical assistance to the grantees, and assisting with communication and outreach.

This project will allow the children of East Hampton to keep pace with technological advances in our society. Our training will bridge the gap between entertainment and real learning.

Mission: Project MOST is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. We are committed to building on the strengths of our children by providing students a range of academic support, enrichment activities, and a positive social environment everyday... after school.

About State Farm®:
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve over 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

Contact Project MOST:

Director of Development, Susan Gentile Hackett and the interim Executive Director, Rebecca Morgan Taylor are available for any additional questions. (631) 604-2777

Contact State Farm:

Dermot Dolan Agency- Bridgehampton, Dermot Dolan, (631) 537-2622

Rachael Risinger, Public Affairs, (516) 355-3769 or rachael.risinger.tqil@statefarm.com