The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS sent a shout-out to Congress and the Department of Education for sending cash their way for educational initiatives that will show up on the air, online and on the ground. The total amount is $27.3M.
The CPB/PBS program getting the support is known as Ready To Learn – they describe it as “…an initiative to help public television stations develop new educational resources on-air, online and on the ground that provide young children – especially those from low-income backgrounds – with the fundamental reading and math skills necessary for success in school.”
“For more than forty years, public media has worked to engage and educate our country’s children,” said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Research proves that content developed through the Ready To Learn program — such as Super WHY, Martha Speaks and Between the Lions, as well as interactive games and community resources — is critical to closing the achievement gap, particularly among those with the highest need. Funding for Ready To Learn will ensure the next generation of children have access to engaging learning experiences that will prepare them for success in school and in life.”
“As technology continues to evolve, so does the PBS mission to harness the power of media for the public good,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “Ready To Learn’s innovative blend of curriculum-based media across many platforms — including TV, online, mobile and more — combined with community engagement and teacher training helps children across the nation, even those who can’t attend preschool, build the fundamental math and literacy skills they need. We are tremendously grateful to the Administration, the Department of Education and Members of Congress for their investment in this initiative.”
