Education Grant WinnerNathaniel Boyd

Animation brings upon a world where education and entertainment join forces through vibrant visuals and dynamic storytelling. For students, getting a chance to work in the animation world is often never an opportunity, but if they are, it gives them so many possibilities from both a learning and imaginative standpoint.

Nathaniel Boyd, educator at SouthWest High School, wanted this opportunity for his kids who face learning challenges, and thought it was a great avenue for them to strengthen their engagement. Thanks to Power of the Dollar^® members, he was awarded a $1,000 grant in December 2024 for his “Moving at Our Own Pace” idea, which he then used to purchase an assortment of animation kits, ready for his students to start creating animated magic!

“I write grants for anything that interests me, and I think will interest the kids,” said Boyd. “For this particular one, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It teaches social skills, teamwork, and collaboration. For these guys who are building their social skills and learn how to work in a group when you have a job, I thought it would give them a good opportunity to work together and bring that into the real world.”

This interactive venture fosters an interest that ultimately polishes their skillset, bolsters their technical knowledge, and teaches them a value of a collaborative team effort working toward a common goal. Students who face those learning obstacles also need something that’s going to prepare them for the professional world outside of the classroom, and while animated-driven projects might not seem to be an alley that would bolster that transition at face value, it’s a program that sharpens their proficiency and highlights camaraderie.

“Doing this project is a joy cause it’s something outside of the box,” he said. “They don’t have to follow any guidelines… they just have to create something and then work together to put it altogether.”