MAPS Media Institute

Our goal is to help young people view their lives through a lens of possibility -- engaging with their communities as supportive citizens, while learning real-world experience and developing strong communication skills through media arts. MAPS prepares students for successful lives in the 21st century by integrating critically relevant topics intrinsic to communications and media arts professions. Our curriculum bridges filmmaking, graphic design, music production, computer science, entrepreneurship and community service. Students are mentored by professional teaching artists and acquire STEAM based skills that are applicable in multiple environments. Through hands-on instruction, students are introduced to the creative processes of imagination and inspiration and taught how to apply these skills for future success. The MAPS goal is to provide these opportunities to young people in rural and Reservation communities and to help them know success, however they choose to define it.

MAPS Media Institute integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM) concepts within a media arts and service learning curriculum. Through direct instruction from professionals, teamwork with their peers, and service to the community, students learn self-confidence, leadership and empathy for others—creating a strong foundation for the success of all their future endeavors.

MAPS teachers are passionate and knowledgeable professionals, and they convey these artistic strengths to their students. MAPS instruction follows a master-apprentice approach that enables students to learn by doing. The course offerings – Filmmaking, Design, Music, Technology and Entrepreneur – provide students with current, cutting edge strategies, techniques and equipment for individual and team projects and professional assignments. MAPS students become knowledgeable about and conversant with the world of artistic film-making, and they learn practical applications of film-making skills.
Additionally, they are given opportunities to meet a range of professionals working in the field. MAPS teaching artists draw from their own experience as arts professionals from various disciplines, and top-notch visiting artists visit MAPS headquarters to work with students.

The MAPS Media Institute was established in 2004 by retired Hollywood film producer Peter Rosten, who received the Purpose Prize, given to people over 60 who are combining their passion and experience for social good. After his death in 2017, he was honored posthumously by MT Governor Steve Bullock as a Montana Ambassador. Five teaching artists serve students in four school districts year-round in the Bitterroot Valley, with tuition-free after-school and summer programs in design, film, music, technology and an entrepreneur class. In 2014 and again in 2016 MAPS was honored by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities as one of 50 outstanding programs nationwide recognized for excellent art education, and in 2017 MAPS made the Top Ten list of these programs. Additionally, MAPS students have earned national student awards for their work, as listed on our website. The MAPS Media Lab now brings MAPS teaching to students across Montana, focusing on rural and Reservation towns.