PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Wintergreen Arts Center recently received a $10,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to support WKNN, Wintergreen Kids News Network.
Wintergreen Kids News Network, real news by real kids about things happening in Aroostook County, helps students build confidence through digital storytelling. Video clips are shared on Wintergreen’s website, YouTube channel and through social media.
This grant is funded by the Maine Expansion Arts Grant Program at the recommendation of its advisors. The gift will be used to evolve Wintergreen Kids News Network into a monthly digital newsmagazine format.
“Maine Community Foundation is such a wonderful partner,” said Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director. “Their support and belief in our students helped us not only build the foundation for Wintergreen Kids News Network, but to grow it in directions uniquely important to the kids who create the video stories.”
The original concept for Wintergreen Kids News Network resulted from a 2021 digital storytelling (video) project about the importance of agriculture to our local economy. Funded by the Maine Community Foundation, the 14-minute video – Farming in Aroostook County – struck a chord in the community and the kids wanted to do more.
“When it comes to support, funding is only one part of the equation,” Dottie added. “Maine Community Foundation truly cares about the people of Maine. They listen and understand what it takes to build strong communities.”
To learn more about the Maine Community Foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
