School receives $5,000 from Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program
MANKATO, Minn. – May 7, 2024 – Prairie Winds Middle School has been awarded a $5,000 grant to support its multimedia project from Consolidated Communication’s Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program. Consolidated joined students, teachers and faculty in celebrating the grant award during a check presentation at the Mankato Area Public Schools Board meeting on Monday.
This grant will allow Prairie Winds Middle School students to further their knowledge of video editing and broadcast media. Each year, the school’s eighth grade class participates in a year-end project to produce a news broadcast focused on the impacts of climate change. Students work together in various roles – camera operator, on-screen talent, graphics, video editing, sound design, directing, etc. – to produce and edit the video project. With funding from Consolidated, each of the more than 300 students in the grade will have access to video editing software, enabling them to enhance their knowledge through hands-on experience.
"We are tremendously grateful to Consolidated Communications for their generous grant supporting our multimedia project,” said Brett Riss middle school teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School. “This funding will empower over 300 eighth-grade students to develop essential skills in video editing and broadcast media, enhancing their understanding of complex issues like climate change through hands-on experience. This investment from Consolidated is not just about technology; it's about empowering our students to become critical thinkers and communicators.”
“Through our Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program we are increasing access for students to learn, grow and thrive through programs like this multimedia project at Prairie Winds Middle School,” said Jennifer Spaude, senior vice president of corporate communications for Consolidated. “Investing in education initiatives like this program make our communities stronger and Consolidated is proud to support the Mankato community and its youth through this grant.”
The Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program funds K-12 schools within the company’s service area that provide innovative, technology-focused learning programs to advance creative student learning, develop 21st century skills and promote critical thinking. Since 2021, the program has granted more than $160,000 to 52 schools, impacting more than 14,500 students in the company’s service area.
About Prairie Winds Middle School
Prairie Winds Middle School is located in Mankato, Minnesota. It is part of the Mankato Area Public Schools District and serves students grades 6 through 8. Prairie Winds Middle School aims to provide an inclusive and innovative educational experience to its students, preparing them with essential skills and knowledge for their future endeavors.
About Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNSL) is dedicated to moving people, businesses and communities forward by delivering the most reliable fiber communications solutions. Consumers, businesses and wireless and wireline carriers depend on Consolidated for a wide range of high-speed internet, data, phone, security, cloud and wholesale carrier solutions. With a network spanning more than 60,000 fiber route miles, Consolidated is a top 10 U.S. fiber provider, turning technology into solutions that are backed by exceptional customer support.