Kearney High School receives two grants to enhance Graphic Design Program

Charlotte Dvorak, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)

KEARNEY — Kearney High School (KHS) is thrilled to announce it has received two generous grants to fully fund a transformative project for its graphic design program.

The Parker Foundation, part of the Parker/Hannifin Corporation & owners of Baldwin Filters, awarded a $10,000 grant, while the Ted Baldwin Advised Fund, administered by the Kearney Area Community Foundation, provided $8,900. These grants bring the total project budget of $18,901 to fruition.

These funds will be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment and resources to enhance the learning experience for KHS students enrolled in graphic design courses. The budget includes:

25 iPads (10th Generation): $14,475
25 Apple Pencils (2nd Generation): $2,875
25 iPad Cases with Apple Pencil Holders: $575
Procreate App Licenses for 25 iPads: $325
iPad Desktop Chargers: $240
Screen Protectors: $91
Professional Development: $320 for the instructor to complete Procreate training.

The addition of this technology will allow students to work with industry-standard tools and software, preparing them for future careers in graphic design and other creative fields. The Procreate app, a leading digital illustration tool, will enable students to explore their artistic skills and technical knowledge.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of our students and our graphic arts department,” said Jason Mundorf, Superintendent of Kearney Public Schools. “We are deeply grateful to the Parker Foundation and the Ted Baldwin Advised Fund for their commitment to education and partnership in providing these essential resources. Their commitment to local investment in our students signifies their belief in local workforce development and supporting the future of Kearney! This project underscores the importance of equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Charlotte Dvorak, the graphic design instructor at KHS, will begin professional development training on the Procreate software, ensuring she can bring the best practices and innovative techniques to her classroom. This new equipment will inspire creativity and innovation in KHS students.

“The addition of this technology is an asset for students exploring the digital art world,” said Dvorak. “ Giving students another avenue to explore their creativity with new resources is a wonderful opportunity. I am so grateful to the The Parker Foundation and the Ted Baldwin Advised Fund for their support of the arts at Kearney High and we are so excited to see what the students create!”

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