CMST 340 Strategies of Persuasion

The Mayerson project has been another great and interesting experience this semester. Even with COVID and the changes to the class (a slightly smaller class this semester and we did not complete group work), we still made sure to rise to the occasion. With the generous support of the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project and our class sponsor, the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement; we awarded two $1000 grants to two deserving non-profit organizations: Learning through Art and UpSpring. Students reviewed applications from five organizations, watched each present their cause live in class, argued the merits for each through an in class argument assignment, and selected the top two. During the entire process, students learned and analyzed persuasive concepts learned in the class.

Learning Through Art, Inc. is a non-profit 501 c(3) dedicated to providing quality performing arts programs in support of arts integrated education, literacy, community development and engagement encouraging multi-cultural awareness and understanding. The funds will enable fulfillment, shipment, and delivery of over 100 BA!FK® Book Packs to our Lead Agency schools, Dater and Gamble Montessori Elementary. Additionally, this would include access to our online platform based on state and national standards for use within the classroom with downloadable and printable content for featured books. 

For more information, https://www.learningthroughart.com/

UpSpring’s mission is to empower children experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky by providing opportunities through education and enrichment. Funds will go to support summer staff for summer programming. We hire licensed teachers, trained in trauma-informed care, to facilitate our Summer 360° each summer. Our educators are the backbone of this program and make it possible for the children we serve to learn and grow over the summer months.

For more information, https://www.upspring.org/