After School Arts to Be Restored at 3 Valley Schools Thanks to Grant

The following was submitted for publication by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation:

After receiving a $25,000 Coachella Valley Spotlight grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Tools for Tomorrow is looking forward to restoring its after-school arts literacy program in at least three Coachella Valley Schools, where the program had been cut during the economic downturn.

Tools for Tomorrow currently provides enrichment classes to more than 600 students in nine local elementary schools.

The organization, which was founded in 1999, integrates creative writing, art, music and drama for students in 3rd-5th grades in free, weekly after-school classes provided on the students’ school campuses. The program encourages self-expression and nurtures positive self-esteem.

“Through the creative process, it is our goal that children acquire a coping mechanism – a ‘tool for tomorrow’ – as well as a vision of what their future might become,” said Rachel Bryant Druten, Founder of Tools for Tomorrow. “This gift from the Berger Foundation will help us get closer to our vision, which is to offer the program in every elementary school in the Coachella Valley.”

Tools for Tomorrow is led by Executive Director Edward DiNicola. Five teachers present hands-on lessons that inspire responsive sharing within a class of 25-30 students.

“We have been told by a participating school principal that behavior and critical thinking are enhanced in the students participating in Tools for Tomorrow,” said Christopher McGuire Vice President of Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “It’s great to hear these types of endorsements and know that programs are making a difference in our community.”

With these funds, organizers expect about 300 more students to join Tools for Tomorrow, which currently has a waiting list and requests from local administrators to start programs at their schools.

“The CBS Local 2 Advisory Board, which selects the Coachella Valley Spotlight recipients, seems to especially like giving to organizations that have a direct and immediate impact on members of our community. Tools for Tomorrow is one of those nonprofits,” said Mike Stutz, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates CBS Local 2.

Tools for Tomorrow was featured on CBS Local 2’s “Eye on the Desert” as well as in public service announcements and on the www.cbslocal2.com website throughout the month of April. For more information about the organization, visit www.afterschooltools.org or call 760-601-3954.