Today we're featuring a conversation with Avo Makdessian, SVCF’s vice president and director of the Center for Early Learning, and Michelle Sioson Hyman, senior early learning officer.  Avo and Michelle discuss what the Center for Early Learning does, as well as their recent research on how technology and digital media affect young children.

Michelle talks about some of the foundational knowledge in the field and says parents don't have to restrict their children from technology entirely. We also touch on how developers can help solve the widening disparity between families who have access to quality digital media at an early age and those who do not.

Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

Today our host is Manuel Santamaria, SVCF’s vice president of strategic initiatives and grantmaking. In the first half of the episode, Manuel describes the grantmaking process that has served SVCF well over the past 10 years. He outlines the four “buckets” we aim to serve: economic security, building strong communities, education, and immigration.

Manuel also talks about how the grantmaking process is going to change to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Manuel then welcomes Valerie Cuevas onto the show to talk about the special anniversary grants we will be awarding throughout the year.

Valerie is a senior program officer and the leader of our 10-year anniversary request for grant proposals. She talks about why we’re focusing on innovative ideas with our anniversary grants, and she puts out the call to anyone with a big idea to apply for a grant.

Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org