New OU-based project helps young Oklahomans answer 'What Is Home?'

An estimated 3.9-million people of all races, creeds and backgrounds called Oklahoma home. Soon, a new grant-funded project spearheaded by our friends at the University of Oklahoma (Go Sooners!) will help high-schoolers from right here in central Oklahoma tell the story of what, exactly, home means to them.

Recently, OU's announced the launch of a new "digital storytelling project" called "What Is Home?" To help fund the project, OU's Institute for Human Flourishing, working in partnership with the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, received a $29,800 grant from Oklahoma's Kirkpatrick Foundation. For the project, over the next seven months, 20 high schoolers — 10 from Norman High and 10 from Clinton High School — will use high-definition GoPro cameras to create 5- to 10-minute videos on the topic of what "Home" means to them. 

Founded by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick in 1955, the Kirkpatrick Foundation is based in Oklahoma City. Over the past 75 years, the Kirkpatrick Foundation has helped fund projects big and small in the arts, education, animal welfare, conservation, and historic preservation, helping us better understand, preserve and protect this place we all call home.

“‘What is Home?’ will help serve the educational needs of students and introduce them to promising career paths,” said Nancy Snow, director of the Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing. “The proposed project is squarely in tune with OU’s strategic plan, insofar as it expands education outreach and cultivates partnerships between OU and communities in Oklahoma.”
 

“Thanks to the Kirkpatrick Foundation for helping us partner with Nancy Snow and the Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing,” said Ed Kelley, dean of Gaylord College. “We in Gaylord College enjoy a good relationship with the two high schools, where storytelling is emphasized across a variety of mediums. This is a great opportunity for current students in our college to interact with high school students to the benefit of everyone involved.”

During the seven-month project, students will be under the supervision and mentorship of Lee Reynolds, director of development and alumni relations at the Gaylord College. Before and after the "What Is Home?" project, participants and their OU mentors will complete pre- and post-surveys to gauge how participating changed their perspectives. Backers of the project hope the results will encourage other charitable organizations, universities and high schools across the nation to replicate the project.

We can't wait to see what our young Oklahomans come up with to answer the question "What Is Home?" Landers Chevrolet of Norman is proud of our partnerships with OU, and proud of the next generation of young people, scholars and artists who will help keep Oklahoma a great place to live for generations to come. Need a great car, truck or SUV to help you get out and explore our great state in style, safety and confidence? Then come see us today at Landers Chevy of Norman, or shop our full selection online right now. 
 

For more information about the Kirkpatrick Foundation and their other charitable projects, visit www.kirkpatrickfoundation.com.

 
Source: blog