Nonprofit awarded $50,000 from Sony Electronics

Nonprofit

Jan 2

Photo courtesy of Mosaic Film Experience

Mosaic Film Experience, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through digital storytelling, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Sony Electronics CREATE ACTION program. Along with the funding, Mosaic Film Experience will receive Sony Electronics products valued at $50,000, a custom promotional film, and opportunities for collaboration and marketing support.

The grant will help fund a paid student video production project in collaboration with other West Michigan organizations. This initiative advances Mosaic Film Experience’s mission to inspire students to explore emerging and creative careers through the power of storytelling.

“We are deeply honored to receive this generous grant from Sony Electronics CREATE ACTION,” said Skot Welch, president and founder, Mosaic Film Experience. “This partnership enables us to continue leveling the playing field for underrepresented youth, equipping them with the critical thinking, collaboration, and creative skills for career preparedness while addressing educational inequalities and expanding access to media education.”

Mosaic Film Experience offers a comprehensive array of programs that inspire and prepare students for careers. The annual Mosaic Film Experience event brings local, national and international industry leaders to West Michigan, where they share their career journeys directly with students, offering valuable insights into the creative industries.

As part of the annual event, the Mosaic Mobile film competition challenges students to showcase their creativity and technical skills by filming and editing short films entirely on mobile devices, with a screening and award ceremony highlighting their work.

While the event provides inspiration and recognition, the year-round Career Pathways program offers students hands-on learning and workforce development opportunities. Piloted in 2024 with middle school students at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, CA Frost, and Southwest Middle High School, the program will expand to include high school programming at Ottawa Hills High School starting in January 2025.

For more information, visit https://www.mosaicfilmexperience.com/.