EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING AS A SERVICE

Live theater is a really dynamic way to teach students, especially when you combine it with curriculum activities, in-class discussion and homework assignments that engage parents. We’ve been working with NTC for over 20 years to deliver our electrical safety and energy messages into the schools. It’s been a great partnership and an effective way of reaching students.

We get such great response from everyone who sees a performance – teachers, students, bank employees. We’ve even had customers walk into a local branch and thank us for bringing the program into their schools! There’s a tremendous level of appreciation, especially in smaller communities that typically have fewer options for this kind of programming. I’m proud that Bank of the West has made a financial commitment to take Mad About Money into the schools. While it’s certainly done a lot to create a positive image for the bank, I’m proudest of the positive impact that the program has had on our students.

I find all of the material easy to follow and the charts, graphs and comments in the final report clearly articulate the impact this show has had with the students and teachers in our service territory. Not only do I have the material I need to meet with my leadership, but also am now prepared to meet with the department that funds the program and is responsible to report our outcomes to the PSC. While the show is a small part of the work that FPL does to educate customers about energy conservation, it is one that is highly visible and we appreciate the partnership with NTC. The show is now the easiest part of what I manage, and this allows me to focus on new programs and issues in education.

The details of the performance were an eye opener for the food industry and other school districts that are addressing these issues. Theatre is extraordinarily effective and FMI attendees see the positive impact on reputation for sponsors teaching students about nutrition, messages that are delivered right in their school.

I believe that the sponsorship of NTC performances is a valuable investment that our member utilities can make on behalf of their local schools. I always share the educator feedback you provide with the sponsoring utility so that they can see how well the program is received in their schools. This explanation you’ve provided with metrics will add to that and demonstrate the value of continued participation.