Local Organizations Pledge $80,000 to Madison365 Education Program

    American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Madison Community Foundation and CUNA Mutual Foundation Commit Funds to Journalism Training Program

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    365 Academy, Madison365’s inaugural program to train young people of color in journalism, has received $80,000 in commitments from three local organizations.

    Madison Community Foundation logoMadison Community Foundation, the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation and CUNA Mutual Foundation have all made donations in support of the program, which begins this summer.

    “Less than five percent of the editorial staff in Madison’s newsrooms are people of color. That’s one of the reasons we started Madison365,” said Madison365 CEO Henry Sanders. “We don’t want to just point out problems. We want t800_afdflogoselectedo help solve problems. We’re taking a long view, training high school and college students in the art and craft of journalism and preparing them to be the voice of the community in our newsroom as well as newsrooms across the media. I’m grateful that these community organizations understand and support this approach. CUNA-Mutual-Group-Header-300x129Long-term change only comes about through strong community partnerships.”

    The 365 Academy Summer Program will begin in July with a three-week “journalism boot camp” for high school students, produced in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. The 365 Core Program will take place during the academic year and create internships in journalism and strategic communications.

    “With fewer than 33 percent of Hispanics and 25 percent of African Americans believing that the media accurately portrays their community, Madison365’s new academy is a huge step forward,” said Madison Community Foundation Vice President Tom Linfield. “The academy will provide training, hands-on experience, mentorship from professionals, and connect students with editors, communications specialists and future employers. The Madison Community Foundation is excited to support this program, which we believe addresses current equity gaps in significant and systemic ways, not least of which is engaging communities of color in shaping dialogue and news coverage.”

    “American Family Insurance is proud to invest in efforts like the Madison365 journalism program that provide people opportunities on their path to pursue their dream career – efforts like this speak to the core of our foundation’s mission,” said Judd Schemmel, American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation Director. “What’s especially inspiring is the community partnership to support this endeavor. The commitment from multiple groups to work together is essential to improve our community.”

    “We are impressed with the way Madison365 has so quickly provided an important voice for many in our community,” said CUNA Mutual Foundation Executive Director Steve Goldberg. “This new training program will give voice to young people of color, adding value for us all.”