CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crescent Communities has increased its commitment to the students of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools through two programs that will promote collaboration and internet connectivity.
The first program, in partnership with Levine Museum of the New South, is a sponsorship of ¡NUEVOlution! Pop Up Porches, a creative and innovative approach to community outreach. Levine Museum and Crescent transformed two portable porches into traveling exhibits that serve as an extension of the museum’s ¡NUEVOlution! Latinos in the New South exhibit. The bilingual, interactive exhibit at the museum runs through Oct. 30 and explores the ways in which Latinos are shaping the South and vice versa.
The second program centers on Crescent’s donation of 24 Dell Latitude laptop computers, two Surface Pro’s and two Dell desktops to a local non-profit E2D, “Eliminate the Digital Divide.” The donation made this week to the local school system will help ensure economically disadvantaged students access to technology and the internet in their homes.
Crescent’s goal is to eliminate obstacles that are preventing students from receiving their education. Crescent says these programs will create a venue for more open dialogue around diversity and inclusion amongst children and will help ensure all children have access to the digital world at home.
“Education is a philanthropic focus area for Crescent Communities, and we are proud to partner with Levine Museum of the New South on this new and interactive educational tool that will carry a vital cultural conversation forward,” said Jenny Vallimont, director of stewardship and innovation at Crescent. “Separately, the laptop donation will help bridge the digital divide that exists in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.”
The ¡NUEVOlution!-themed porches feature information on the impact of Latino residents on the region and interactives designed to spark conversations and sharing. Originally built and donated by Civic by Design, the specially outfitted 11-foot-high porches will travel over the next year to schools, libraries and community centers around Charlotte.
“The ¡NUEVOlution! exhibit is one of Levine Museum’s most ambitious projects, and with the support of Crescent Communities, we will extend that experience beyond our walls and continue to engage the community on this important topic,” said Kate Baillon, vice president of exhibitions with Levine Museum.
Museum educators and Crescent volunteers will also work with each location to host Porch Sessions with topics such as identity, community building, shared history and language to promote and encourage conversation.
Officially debuting on August 31, the ¡NUEVOlution! Pop Up Porches are on view through September 10 at the West Boulevard and University City Regional library branches. From there, they will travel to Hickory Grove Library (9/11 – 10/1), South County Library (10/2 – 10/20), and Albemarle Road Recreation Center(10/2 – 10/22). Beginning in late October, the porches will travel to area schools.
For additional dates and locations for the Pop Up Porches, visit museumofthenewsouth.org.