Tag Archives: grant

KLRU brings students and developers together to create new educational games

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National contest challenges students and professionals

Austin, TX — KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, is one of 12 stations nationwide chosen to participate in the National STEM Video Game Challenge grant. KLRU will bring local middle school and high school students together with game developer mentors and education experts to create new games to compete in this national contest.

Inspired by the Educate to Innovate Campaign, President Obama’s initiative to promote a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition whose goal is to motivate interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games.

In early 2012, KLRU will bring mentors from Austin’s vibrant gaming community together with youth from one area middle school and one high school. The teams of students will work to create games to be entered into the national contest. KLRU will also document the creative process on the station’s blog. Game developers who would like to participate in the mentoring project should contact KLRU at 471-4811.

The National STEM Video Game Challenge has four categories — Middle School, High School, Collegiate, Educators — and is open to any U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident  To participate in the challenge as an individual or a non-KLRU team, please see the rules and guidelines for each level on the competition’s website at stemchallenge.org. Deadline to enter is March 12.

About KLRU:
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, presents quality multimedia content that engages people in the thoughtful exchange of ideas, the expression of the arts, and enjoyable lifelong learning opportunities, resulting in a more vibrant community and a higher quality of life. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest-running live music television show AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including OVERHEAD WITH EVAN SMITH and documentaries like CITIZEN ARCHITECT and LAST BEST HOPE. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

Susan and Richard Marcus Make Grant to KLRU

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Susan and Richard Marcus have just made a $3,500 contribution to KLRU. The funds will be used to partially match an “Arts on Radio and Television” NEA grant which was awarded earlier this year.

Through this project, KLRU will re-master and distribute 8 new episodes of our award-winning arts series, Arts In Context. Each half-hour program will utilize content from the best of these original segments. The final result will be the creation of a nationally broadcast series incorporating the highest production values to present a diverse and engaging selection of artists and their work.

KLRU is proud to showcase the inspiration of Central Texas creatives and share their vision with the greater American public.

The Winkler Family Foundation Renews Their Support

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KLRU has just received $50,000 in unrestricted funding from the Winkler Family Foundation.  The Foundation’s renewed generosity will help support all the ways that we serve Central Texans.

We acquire meaningful content through a variety of sources, including PBS and the local creative community.  In addition, we offer pioneer productions on a wide variety of interests including education, the arts, our local community and public affairs.  Finally, we provide authentic engagement opportunities around community, cultural and educational topics.

KLRU brings viewers informative and impartial news reporting through PBS NewsHour, Frontline, American Experience, Washington Week and Overheard with Evan Smith.

KLRU is Austin’s largest stage.  We ensure the worlds of music, theater, dance and art are freely accessible on-air and online to all Central Texans – many of whom might never have the opportunity to experience them otherwise.

KLRU is also Austin’s largest classroom.  We offer a full slate of trusted and educational content for viewers of all ages.

Finally, KLRU encourages viewers to embrace their inner explorers through NOVA, Nature, American Masters, Central Texas Gardener and The Daytripper with Chet Garner.  PBS won 9 Peabody awards for programs such as these in 2010.

A teacher journeys with her students to the edge of the universe.  A child experiences ballet for the first time.  Austin music is shared with the world.  A parent learns to read to his child and discovers the joy of reading for himself.  And artist discovers their creative outlet.  A community comes together to discuss challenging issues.

We feel grateful to serve Central Texans in so many ways, and thank The Winkler Family Foundation for their continued support of our mission!

KLRU receives Dell Foundation grant for early education initiatives

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KLRU is the proud recipient of a Dell Foundation Equipping Youth Literate Communities grant. This two-year, $50,000 contribution will serve to empower youth to learn and excel in a digitally-driven economy — specifically, through support of Sesame Street and our Ready to Learn literacy program. We are grateful for the Dell Foundation’s generous and ongoing support of early education in Central Texas.