FIDM High School Teachers Grant Winner:
Lisa G. Rodriguez
Title: English, Computer Applications Teacher
High School:
Pueblo de Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles, California
Grant Proposal:
Request funding to purchase advanced copies of graphic design software and the accompanying tutorial books so that students will be able to complete a variety of projects in their portfolio for use in conducting job searches and submitting college applications.
By April 2009, a minimum of 4 students will have begun a new course of study in Adobe Illustrator. Students who have expressed interest in careers in fashion design or other design fields will be recruited to complete a 10-week course in Digital Design. This class will be the first of its kind to be offered at Pueblo High School.
Why I applied for a FIDM High School Teachers Grant:
As the Computer Instructor at Pueblo High School, it is extremely important to me that our students have access to the most advanced technology available and that they become fluent users of a wide variety of software applications. After visiting a local community college, our students were greatly impressed with the computer graphics lab, as well as the brief demonstration that the instructor there provided in Adobe Illustrator. Seeing the inspiration in their eyes made me determined to expand the computer training we now offer at Pueblo to include this wonderful software.
How receiving the FIDM High School Teachers Grant will enhance (1) my experience and expertise and (2) my learners’ education:
Receiving the grant to purchase Adobe Illustrator will greatly expand my knowledge in the area of computer graphics, as I am committed to gaining the expertise needed to teach this powerful program to my students. In addition, since the software deals with graphic design, I believe it will enhance the creativity of my students bringing their imaginative inspirations to life.
What I will share with my students about this experience:
Having students participate in the grant writing process means that we all share in the thrilling experience of having a successful outcome, in the form of a grant award. I believe this success will empower my students to seek other grant, contest, and scholarship opportunities that will benefit them greatly in the future. In addition, the final projects from the class will be shared in a year-end exhibit for friends, family, teachers, and administrators at Pueblo. I believe every aspect of this experience will boost our students’ self-confidence and help to prepare them for real-world challenges and presentations.
