Bradwell Institute’s media program has aimed to create a comfortable and engaging area for students to read and enjoy e-books. To recognize those efforts, Target Corporation recently awarded the program a grant to provide two chairs with tablet holders that will be used when students want to read e-books on the media center’s iPads.

“We are extremely excited and honored to receive this grant from Target. At Bradwell Institute, we are committed to student achievement,” Assistant Principal Jason Stickler said. “With this grant, our media center will be able to provide students the opportunity to explore literature through the use of e-books and iPads. By offering a variety of literature options in the media center, our school will be able to help students develop the necessary literacy skills needed to be college and career ready upon graduation from high school.”

The Bradwell media center has been undergoing a major overhaul in an attempt to make the space adequate for life in the 21st century. Bradwell media specialists Nikki Lukkarinen and Melissa McCallar have worked to replace outdated furniture and redecorate the large space.

With a decrease of available funds, they have turned to grants.

The program previously received a grant from the Coastal Electric Membership Cooperative through its Bright Ideas grant program. The $1,917.76 grant was used to buy an e-reading couch, a rug, stools and pillows to make the lounge area inviting.

The school also received a funded project through www.donorschoose.org, which allowed the media specialists to buy four leather reception chairs for seating around the media center.

To assist with ongoing media improvements, go to www.donorschoose.org/nikki.lukkarinen and make a donation. Donations made this month will be doubled using the match code HORACEMANN12.