| Name | Kessler |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Cuffman |
| Home Address | 6452 White Tail Dr Ooltewah, TN 37363 United States |
| Organization Name | Dynamo Studios |
| Describe Your Role In The Organization | I am the founder and Executive Director. |
| Organization Address | 6452 White Tail Dr Ooltewah, TN 37363 United States |
| Website | https://www.DynamoStudios.org |
| Best Phone Number To Reach You | 5133771293 |
| Alternate Phone Number | |
| Email Address | kcuffman@dynamostudios.org |
| Alternate Email Address | dwhitaker@dynamostudios.org |
| Please Describe Your Project In Detail | Dynamo Studios, a local educational 501(c)3, creates an environment where education, the arts and technology come together as one cohesive unit with the community and innovative thinkers, resulting in exponential cultural, entrepreneurial and community growth. As an organization, our mission is to provide an environment and resources for students to harness their creative potential using the arts (studio production and music), education, and technology as a catalyst to promote cultural growth, community growth and real-world opportunities for participants at a free or reduced rate. The origin of the word Dynamo is a combination of the Greek words dynamis (to power) and dynasthai (to be able). This perfectly summarizes what we aim to achieve with our students -- We want to “empower them to be able.” The Magic of Dynamo What makes our programs so special is that we take learning well beyond the typical classroom experience. Participating students are paired with professional creatives in the community where they are able to apply what they have learned in a real world professional setting. Not only that, we also bring in creatives to partner with teachers and students in their classrooms. This allows us to bridge the gap between the professional world and the academic world. By putting industry leading equipment in the hands of students and creating high level opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned in the real world, we are aiming to change the trajectory of their lives. *** The Project: Dynamo Studios Mobile Production Lab *** The mobile production lab is a modular lab of production equipment that can be easily set up or packed up for educational programming. The mobility of the lab ensures that quality programming can be accessed by schools all across the district. Our in-school and extracurricular programs have been extremely successful over the past twelve months and we are now taking steps to begin integrating these technological resources into public school classrooms across the district. Our goal is for this tech to act as a resource for teachers to facilitate engaging learning opportunities that support their content standards using technology and 21st century skill building programs based around the music/creative industries. In a nutshell - Teachers will use this technology to amplify their ability to empower and equip their students and thus, they are creating well rounded learners that are better equipped to pursue professional opportunities at a much earlier age. Furthermore, teachers and school partners will be given access to Dynamo’s robust network of industry partners (artists, bands, photographers, videographers, designers, record labels, etc) to ensure that the community is heavily involved in supporting school programming. This is the sort of thing that allows for students to grow at an extremely rapid pace and experience a higher success rate in the academic world. When fully scaled, this model will allow for full time programs to be established at partner schools as a regular part of the students’ free and public education -- Just like what we did at Howard Connect Academy and The Howard School. Additionally, we will assist all partner schools and educators with grant writing and grant preparation so that full time programming becomes a reality sooner than later. THE PROBLEM Chattanooga students are currently underserved and under equipped in modern media arts programming throughout our community. There is also a lack of career professional development opportunities for local students. Typically this issue falls on our local schools and teachers to find a solution. Unfortunately, they too are under equipped and underfunded. OUR SOLUTION - THE DYNAMO STUDIOS MOBILE PRODUCTION LAB The mobile production lab is a technology resource lab that will allow Dynamo to extend our programming and services into public classrooms across the HCDE district. - Dynamo Studios Mobile Production Lab * - The Dynamo Impact Model - Robust Educational programming - 21st Century Skills growth through real world application - Professional opportunities for students outside of school - Professional development for local teachers - Accessibility to high end creative industry technology resources TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED WITH THE MOBILE PRODUCTION LAB - Technology included in this project is dependent on scaling and funding available. - MacBook Pro Lab - Editing and production software suites - A plethora of music production equipment - Multiple film and photo rigs - Curriculum/lesson plan development and teacher training as well as professional development for educators - Pelican cases for ease of transportation between partner schools in the HCDE district. WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE? - It is imperative that we, as a community, support our students. IT TAKES A VILLAGE! - Teachers will be equipped to implement engaging and impactful lessons that address the state standards built around 21st Century Skills - This studio program will be grounded in the educational realm while providing a means by which real world success is entirely attainable for students. TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: FOR TEACHERS Our goal is for this tech to act as a resource for teachers to facilitate engaging learning opportunities that support their content standards using technology and 21st century skill building programs. In a nutshell - Teachers use this technology to amplify their ability to empower and equip their students. TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: FOR STUDENTS Our goal is for this tech to act as a resource that allows for students to effectively reach Self-Actualization. Students will achieve this growth through educational opportunities that allow for 21st Century Skills growth and professional opportunities that allow for 21st Century Skills mastery within the local community and abroad. Additionally, the 21st Century Skills mastered by students will carry over into their personal lives, academic lives, and professional lives (regardless of their future profession). The skills grown and mastered through the professional creative realm are an essential component of any successful person’s life, which is why students must have these opportunities. WHAT IS SELF ACTUALIZATION AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? Our end goal is to help students reach Self Actualization, and the creative industry just so happens to be a perfect catalyst to achieve just that. Definition: The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone. WHY SHOULD STUDENTS REACH SELF ACTUALIZATION? Self-Actualized People Have Peak Experiences They possess self-acceptance and a democratic world view They are realistic and pragmatic They are motivated by a strong sense of personal ethics and responsibility The Self-Actualized person is autonomous Self-Actualized people are spontaneous and innovative They fully enjoy the journey, not just the destination OUTCOMES AND PROJECTED IMPACT Funding for this project will allow for our team to begin working on a regular basis with several schools throughout the duration of the school year. The successful implementation of this initiative will have an unparalleled impact on Chattanooga. - Students in public schools - 500+/yr - Teachers in public schools - 25+/yr - Artists, Musicians, Bands, Creatives - 50+/yr - Countless professional opportunities for students with local creative agencies and local businesses beyond their school and classroom. |
| Please explain how your project meets the requirements of the American Rescue Plan | The Dynamo Studios Mobile Production Labs capitalizes on one time-limited investments that catalyze lasting change in our city, while focusing on disproportionately affected communities, and maintains a clear plan to demonstrate impact. It very specifically and intentionally addresses the developmental challenges that have become glaringly obvious in our local schools due to students (especially those in marginalized communities) having massive inconsistencies in their educational experience. Remember, 8th graders now haven't had a full in person school year since the end of 5th grade. The loss in developmental opportunities and formative experiences has created major challenges for students. There are extreme behavior patterns, a complete loss in interest in school, and the abandonment of adolescent relationships. |
| Where would your project take place? | Within the schools contained in the Alton Park, East Lake, Brainard, and Ridgedale communities. |
| How much will your project cost in total? | 200000 |
| Do you have any matching funding sources from other local governments, private entities, non-profits, or philanthropic entities for your project? | Yes |
| Please describe the source and list amounts of any other funding. | Dynamo Studios is affiliated with and supported by a variety of foundations, philanthropists, and industry corporate sponsors. This project has received support from a wide variety of organizations. This is a new initiative, but we have raised over $50,000 to launch the pilot model of this program a few years ago. The pilot program model has been very successful. The funding of this project will lead to substantial amounts of funding in the years to come. |
| What portion of the project are you asking the city to fund? | 200000 |
| If funded, when would your project start? | June 1, 2022 |
| How long would your project take to complete? | Equipment purchased will be used constantly for years and years to come |
| What milestones would you use to measure your project’s progress? | Success will be determined through a variety of indicators: - Student success, development, and job placement - Feedback from parents - Feedback from teachers - Feedback from school counselors - Feedback from industry professionals working with students |
| How would you ensure accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle? | As always, we maintain an open book policy within our organization. Outside of personal information, we are always willing to share any and all records. In an effort to promote an abundance of transparency, we will maintain accurate and robust quarterly reports informing the community and our stakeholders in the performance of this project. |
| If successful, how would your project benefit the community? | STUDENTS: Participating students will be better equipped to enter directly into the workforce or collegiate programs if they are regularly involved with programming in our space and our in school programming. Our programs will help them build the strongest portfolios and resumes in the city when compared to other third party edu organizations. Additionally (and most importantly) students will be better equipped to reach self actualization – the peak of human development. |
| How will you attract community buy-in for your project? | We will attract additional buy-in from the community by offering a wide variety of programs and resources to help elevate and grow our local students through the creative economy and educational experiences. We have an extensive track record of investing in and supporting projects within the communities we serve. |
| Name | Domonique Whitaker |
| Contact Information | dwhitaker@dynamostudios.org |
| Name | Anthony Wiley |
| Contact Information | Awiley@dynamostudios.org |
| Name | Calvin Tarvin |
| Contact Information | theboytiggi@gmail.com |
| Name | Matt Goldman |
| Contact Information | themattgoldman@gmail.com |
| Is there anything else you would like us to know about your project? | This project has been developed by professionals at the top of their fields across the music industry and education industry. From teachers to Grammy winners to multi platinum record selling producers to university level consultants -- We are bringing the best of the best and highest level of expertise available to this project. |