CCS seniors Jack Rufo and Addison Barton were recently among 22 student leaders across New York state who received mini-grants of up to $5K to design screen-free initiatives in their schools, a movement reaching more than 17,000 students. Cambridge is the only district in the Capital Region to be awarded the grant.
This was made possible through #HalfTheStory, the non-profit dedicated to improving the next generation’s relationship with technology, which launched the Phone Free Fund, a $300,000 initiative– made possible by Verizon–to support teen-led digital wellness solutions across New York state.
CCS was awarded $3,000 in the grant. The funds will be used to purchase crafting carts filled with art supplies for students to utilize during their lunches and study halls. Additionally, funds will go to purchase hands-on board games for students to play throughout the school day when they are not in class.
“I always wanted to help with youth mental health in some way,” said Addison Barton. “#HalfTheStory made me feel like I had something, and that I can make a difference in youth spaces with like-minded people. With technology being the main problem in youth mental health, I think it’s important we teach the youth how to have a healthy relationship with technology and to know when to step back.”
Rufo and Barton attended a Digital Wellness Training in New York City with #HalfTheStory, where the digital wellness grant recipients were revealed. Rufo also attended a lecture by Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author whose work has focused on the impact that technology has had on our youth.
“#HalfTheStory has been a transformative journey for me,” said Jack Rufo. “It provided the space to rediscover myself through digital wellness and gave me the strength to break the cycle—all while being held up by a community of truly wonderful people.”
