Teens Imagine the Future - Create Films about Life in 2020

HARRISON, N.Y., Dec. 9 -- More than 60 teenagers who were challenged to think about what their lives will be like in 2020 -- and then make their own film about it -- will get their day in the limelight Wed., Dec. 10, when they have a chance to show off their work to friends and family.

Nokia, a world leader in mobile communications, and Pearson Foundation -- partners in the Mobile Learning Institute -- will join with Westchester County to host the Envision 2020 Celebration 2008 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event will feature student digital films made during the 2008 summer, as well as performances by the White Plains group Free Diversity in Motion and nationally recognized artist Chris Kazi Rolle. County Executive Andy Spano will be present to recognize the work of the Envision 2020 students as well.

Spano noted that it is important to acknowledge these youngsters who worked so hard and continue to inspire and encourage them to make smart choices regarding their future.

"Many of these students have faced difficulty in their lives and we wanted to give them a positive experience. We thought 'let's ask these kids what they want to be in the year 2020 and what kind of world they would be living in then.' And out of that, this wonderful program was born," he said. "We are excited that the success of the Envision 2020 initiative has led Nokia and the Pearson Foundation to recognize the quality of our students and educators and want to continue offering programs through the Mobile Learning Institute."

Nokia, which has a corporate office in Harrison, and the Pearson Foundation worked with students at Eastview Middle School in White Plains last summer, as well as with students at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Tarrytown, and the Don Bosco Center in Port Chester and the Yonkers Community Action Program. A program will continue next year in White Plains schools and an "Innovation Center," which will contribute to the educational leadership of Westchester County, is expected to be announced for Westchester as well.

Nokia and the Pearson Foundation have made an ongoing commitment to the Westchester County community. In 2009 and 2010, the Mobile Learning Institute will support student programs and teacher professional development in partnership with local schools. The Mobile Learning Institute delivers engaging, personalized, project-based learning to classrooms and community centers across the U.S., serving over 10,000 students and teachers each year. By sharing the latest mobile technologies, the Institute helps teachers and students develop the 21st-century skills they need to design, develop, and complete the collaborative digital arts projects that will shape their future.

Michael Quesnell, senior representative for community involvement at Nokia, noted that Nokia-supported projects like the Mobile Learning Institute and the Envision 2020 Initiative encourage students to stretch their imaginations using the mobile technologies that they already see as part of everyday life.

"By supporting digital learning experiences we can continue our commitment of having a positive impact on society by supporting young people and education in 30 countries, benefiting more than one million young people, including those in Westchester County," Quesnell said.

Pearson Foundation President Mark Nieker added, "The Mobile Learning Institute gives young people a unique opportunity to realize the power of their voices using the kind of mobile technology that's already part of their everyday lives. By encouraging them to focus their energy on topics like education in the future, the Mobile Learning Institute provides a unique learning experience during the summer that supports work in the school year."

More information about the Envision 2020 Initiative can be found at http://www.digitalartsalliance.org/partnerships/mli/the-envision-2020-project. html