A Buffalo native is trying to spread philanthropy into area schools through his charitable foundation. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley says the Arts Connect Education and Attendance Program Presentation Thursday evening at the Buffalo Chophouse.
"The goal is to inspire kids that there's hope," said Jeff Marinelli, Founder & CEO of the Art and Living Charitable Foundation and Art and Living Magazine based in Los Angeles.
52-year-old Marinelli grew up in North Buffalo and is a graduate of Bennett High School. But he said his heart remains in Buffalo that's why he's working to bring arts into schools in a unique way.
Marinelli tells WBFO News he wants to provide innovation through his magazine. It would directly connected to interviews conducted with Hollywood stars, industry leaders and movers and shakers. Video recordings could be brought into classrooms with 'real life arts-related examples' into a local classroom to stimulate a students learning.
"I have access to all the athletes, all the celebrities, and you get celebrities and athletes saying 'you stick with this guy there's a future for you if you learn science,'" stated Marinelli.
The Arts Connect program has been designed to enhance the education experience for students as well as teachers.
"So we want the teachers to create it from ground up," said Marinelli. "What do you want to the content to look like? We're are going to shoot it. How do you want it too look like? So we start with an entire strategy with these teachers of how they think this content should look like. Quizzes, downloads, homework assignments, extra credit."
The program would incorporate the art world with math and other course work. "So if your a sixth grader you might be counting
Marinelli made an pitch to some school leaders from Buffalo and the suburbs hoping school districts will accept his idea. Marinelli emphasized his program would be 'free of charge' to districts.
"To allow us to come in. We will fund everything. All the content will be donated, so when teachers download it, it's free to the schools," Marinelli said.