Third grade students Katie Uitenbroek and Arrionna Mitchell take a musical journey through Mexico at Beaver Creek Elementary with cultural ambassador R.J. Hernandez of Las Guitarras de Mexico.  The nonprofit organization World of Difference works with schools to provide cultural experiences for students through ambassadors.  Funding for this in-classroom experience was provided by Connecting Kids and Culture.

 

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and Bravo Greater Des Moines combine contributions received from The Principal Charity Classic to support Connecting Kids and Culture. This program provides funding for over 39,000 kindergarten through fifth grade students in Dallas and Polk counties the opportunity to enjoy local, cultural experiences. Connecting Kids and Culture funds admission fees and transportation to educational experiences outside the classroom and provides opportunities for educators to bring local arts and cultural experiences into their schools, while directly aligning community-based arts and cultural learning to core curriculum objectives.

 

Through www.connectingkidsandculture.com, educators have an opportunity to match cultural opportunities of 22 arts and cultural organizations to field experiences related to classroom benchmarks.  In addition, the site offers a field experience planner and transportation resources. The Web site is also a resource for parents, grandparents and care providers looking for educational, cultural experiences for children.

 

For more information visit www.connectingkidsandculture.com.