Ignite Education

Education has always been at the core of our mission. We piloted our first education program with a third-grade class in Mt. Vernon just four months after we opened in June 2001. Over the years, we have built a thriving campus where people of all ages are united through the power of film.

Through dynamic screenings, workshops, and deep filmmaking experiences, we empower students to become discerning viewers, skilled storytellers, and socially conscious citizens. Each year, more than 70% of the nearly 5,000 students who experience our creative approach to education come from under-resourced schools and participate free of charge, including transportation to and from the JBFC campus.

Thanks to three leadership gifts, we have established the Ignite Education Challenge. All contributions to Ignite Education received by September 30, 2024, will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $125,000. Please take advantage of this opportunity to double your impact and strengthen your commitment to the JBFC with a fully tax-deductible gift.

In addition to helping us fulfill our commitment to students of all ages, your gift will support a broad range of new and enhanced initiatives, including:

• Increasing summer camp from one to two-week sessions; new sessions for 2nd and 3rd grade students.
• Bringing together students from across Westchester (and beyond) to experience important, curriculum-aligned films and to speak directly with members of the creative team.
• Director’s Cut programs in Screenwriting and Production for more than 40 high school students, including a Spanish-speaking cohort. All students participate free of charge and receive a $1,000 stipend to offset lost wages and transportation costs.
• Expanding Director’s Cut programs each year by introducing new elements of filmmaking, including editing, set design, costume design, sound design, and makeup.
• Master classes in partnership with Imagine Entertainment.
• Pilot programs, including Under the Influence, a social media literacy program for 7th and 8th grade students.
• JBFC Kids Programs and Sensory Friendly Screenings.
• Cinema Studies classes, presented in collaboration with the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
• Scholarships and Community Engagement.

Thank you for helping to make so much possible!