#United States #New York #Philanthropy #Scratch Foundation #Creative Learning

Empowering Creativity: Scratch Foundation's New Initiative

The Scratch Foundation, a leading non-profit organization in the field of creative learning, has recently announced the launch of the 100 Million More Campaign. This initiative aims to significantly enhance its global reach, targeting a community of over 200 million young creators by the year 2027, coinciding with the organization’s 20th anniversary. This ambitious goal is backed by nearly $21 million in philanthropic support, affirming the commitment of various benefactors to foster creativity among children worldwide.

Dr. Margaret Honey, the president and CEO of the Scratch Foundation, emphasized the importance of nurturing creative learning in an ever-evolving world. She stated, "In our rapidly-changing world, continuing to center creative learning is critical if we want to prepare children for the challenges of tomorrow." The generous financial contributions from organizations such as Endless, Google, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the LEGO Foundation have made it possible for the foundation to maintain its mission and remain free for all children.

The Importance of Creativity in Today's World

Creativity is not merely a skill; it is an essential component of innovation and resilience. Katy Knight, president of the Siegel Family Endowment, pointed out, "By empowering young people to think critically, collaborate, and express themselves through technology, we are investing in a future shaped by their boundless potential and curiosity." This kind of investment is necessary now more than ever as children navigate a world filled with technological advancements.

Since its establishment in 2007, the Scratch platform has enabled more than 140 million children from various countries to create over a billion projects. Unlike today’s consumer-focused social media, Scratch provides a creative and safe environment for children to express their thoughts, develop their identities, and enhance their problem-solving skills. Yerrie Kim from the LEGO Foundation affirmed, "Our support for the Scratch Foundation reflects our shared vision to empower young learners through creativity and expression."

Goals of the 100 Million More Campaign

The 100 Million More Campaign is designed to reach 10% of the global Generation Alpha population, which comprises two billion children born between 2010 and 2025. This initiative aims to provide essential tools and resources that encourage creativity and technology engagement while ensuring safety and well-being.

Key initiatives of the campaign include:

• - Developing advanced creative AI tools that enhance learning experiences.
• - Redefining social media for children, prioritizing their well-being and safety.
• - Maintaining the free access of Scratch to all children, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit imagination and innovation.

To rally support for this vital campaign, the community is encouraged to visit www.100millionmore.org to learn more. The strong backing of notable philanthropic foundations plays a pivotal role in empowering the next generation to harness their creativity and problem-solving abilities through technology.

About the Scratch Foundation:
The Scratch Foundation is devoted to enabling kids globally to create, imagine, and learn. With creative and equitable approaches to coding and education, the Scratch platform, developed initially by the MIT Media Lab, provides numerous children with unique opportunities to animate their voices and stories through digital projects. Positioned as the largest coding community for pupils, it encourages children from all walks of life to explore their creativity through technology.