May and June were busy months for the Education and Community Engagement team at MCM! We offered courses, went to events, and completed a new artist spotlight project. Here’s the breakdown:
In May, we completed our Youth Media Academy at Takoma Park Middle School (TPMS). The Youth Media Academy was a six month program that taught TPMS students how to create content and develop digital media skills. The students created, produced, filmed, and edited a variety show called Rahel Reports that will premiere on our access channel.
We also held a podcast certification class in May, teaching attendees how to use podcasting equipment in our studio! Participants learned both video and audio techniques and became certified podcast technicians by the end of the course.
In June, we held another Senior Smart event at the North Potomac Community Center. A local Girl Scout troop gave senior citizens a presentation on cyber security and staying safe online. After the presentation, student volunteers from across Montgomery County gave 1-on-1 support to seniors who were looking to learn specifics about their mobile devices. Students earned service learning hours by helping the seniors. We are hosting more Senior Smart events in July and August. Keep an eye on our blog and social media for more details!
MCM also tabled at Pride in the Plaza in Silver Spring during the month of June. Team members interviewed attendees, asking the question, “What does pride mean to you?”
Staff connected to the community and obtained story submissions about LGBTQIA+ related issues, leaders, and organizations.
The ECE team’s biggest project of June was a Maryland Artist Spotlight series, sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council. The series highlighted artists across Montgomery County, including Clifford Creations, various creators at the BlackRock Artisan Market, Kelsey Joyce, Erin Friedman, and Dunnie O. The final project will be aired on our access channel. The Maryland Arts Series is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), an agency of the State of Maryland that plays an essential role in ensuring every Marylander has access to the transformative power of the arts. Posts about each artist will be on our blog soon!
