Rogers and Gosine–Boodoo, Part 12
Future Plans
CMCArts received approval for a legislative appropriation of USD $75,000 in December 2007 to continue the PLTTA project beyond the pilot date. The approval of the additional funds enabled the project partners to request a no–cost extension from the IMLS to continue for another year based upon the same proposal. Savings accruing from the materials and supplies budget would supplement the legislative allocation. Another encouraging development was the completion of renovations to the CMCArts building in April 2008, which means improved accommodation for future classes.
Resource personnel such as professional librarians, artists and artisans have already committed to sustained support of this program. Graduates from the initial group are also being encouraged to volunteer time and contribute financially to continue this effort.
SCLA and CMCArts remain committed to partnering for a follow–up to this pilot project with CMCArts already seeking ways to institutionalize the PLTTA model territory–wide. To them, the results signify that this is a practical model for creating a learning community that starts with young people, those logically positioned to act as agents for change.