Capital Campaign

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Imagine Who Will Be Served…           (back)

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Children from all over the Central San Joaquin Valley will benefit from ImagineU. Many children and families living here face myriad challenges. Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties all have an alarmingly high rate of persons with a less-than-9th grade education. Lack of education has been linked to both unemployment rates and families living below the poverty level, which in turn, bring about low educational attainment rates in what appears to be a vicious cycle. The chart below demonstrates the dismal educational attainment levels in Valley counties, as compared to the state and the nation.

Low educational attainment often begins early in childhood because of the many barriers that families face, including high poverty and limited resources. But exposure to culture can change that. It has long been recognized that cultural variables influence how children present themselves, understand the world, and interpret experiences. Culture also affects the experiences through which children’s earliest literacy and number knowledge are acquired. Some of these experiences provide unintentional support for various types of learning in the context of shared everyday activities, including interactive play.

 

 

 

 

 

Experiences gained at ImagineU can help kids make connections, spark their love of learning and, ultimately, fill gaps in educational attainment, providing the cultural exposure that can change the life of a child in poverty.

Adults will also benefit from ImagineU! Many times, a child’s richest play experience occurs when an adult is involved. ImagineU’s exhibits will encourage adult-child interaction. Adult-child interaction enriches the experience for both, and helps build strong emotional bonds.

The entire community also benefits from ImagineU! Community events, birthday parties, field trips, continuing education – the opportunities for public participation are endless!