Metro Tech taking applications for new journalism program
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Metro Tech is accepting applications for a new journalism program for high school students and adults.
They’re looking for students who have a need for news and are riveted by reporting.
“We want to make sure that we’re putting out students that know how to ethically tell a story,” said Dr. Michelle Sanders, the site director for the business technology center.
The Multimedia Journalism Program starts Fall of 2024. Slots are filling up fast.
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The goal is to train students to think like a reporter and fact check.
“We’re also going to give people skills that they could potentially go into this career without a degree,” said Dr. Sanders.
The course was an idea four years in the making.
“The idea germinated in our office to create a program for young journalists, high schoolers who could work alongside professional journalists,” said Louisa McCune, with the Kirkpatrick Foundation. “The loss of local newspapers, the loss of school newspapers were really having it having a compounding effect.”
The Kirkpatrick Foundation eventually found its way to Metro Tech. Last Spring, it awarded the Metro Tech Foundation a $150,000 grant to establish the program.
Officials said students will be certified in Adobe editing software, photography and drone technology.
“If we can teach a student how to use a drone and go take pictures and then write a story, they would be marketable to go in industry immediately and not necessarily need a college degree,” said Dr. Sanders.
Once the program is up and running, Metro Tech officials said they will talk to other universities to see if the certifications can go further.
“Career tech, right now, has several courses in other programs that the universities already consider for credit. So, it’s just sitting down and starting to have those conversations,” said Dr. Sanders.
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The superintendent said this will also give students an idea of what’s next for them.
“The opportunities are endless with what students want to do,” said Aaron Collins, Metro Tech Superintendent.
If your high school student wants to apply, they need to have good grades and attendance, as well as be in good standing with the school.
It’s free for high schoolers in metro tech’s area. They also have financial aid options for adults.
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