Students from across the region gathered at UC Clermont College on March 6 for the third annual Content Creators Conference. The conference marks the tail end of a ten-week program designed to help teenagers plan their academic and professional careers with real-world workshops and keynote speakers.
This year’s conference guided students through the workflows of visual media and video production. Guest speakers included Dave McMurray, executive producer at Drive Media House, and H Brewer, production specialist at Connect Clermont.
The Content Creators Collaborative is a joint initiative between Connect Clermont and 12 high schools across the region. While the program has only been around for three years, it has generated positive reception from both students and teachers. For some students, it has already opened the door to real career opportunities.
Brenna Ashley, a UCC digital media student and alumna of the previous year's Content Creator Academy, had the chance to lead her peers through a digital storytelling presentation that included hands-on exercises and a Q&A session.
Last year’s program attracted over 250 students, with representatives from each school. Leadership expects these numbers to grow as the program develops, along with its capacity to accept more students.
“There are so many great opportunities today that Connect Clermont has created,” Goshen Local Schools Superintendent Brian Bailey said about the program. “We appreciate everything that’s being done for our kids.”
Still, the program could not have been possible without the material and financial support of Connect Clermont’s community partners. These organizations support the mission to connect people, purpose, and ideas in Clermont County, including the students who will soon step into the workforce.
The Content Creators Academy will host three more learning sessions before the end of the semester. Questions arise over how the program will evolve over the coming years. As more community partners join with Connect Clermont and Clermont Schools, opportunities to expand the Collaborative increase, drawing in more professional speakers and workshop possibilities.
Connect Clermont is particularly interested in reaching out to past participants to learn more about their experiences in the program. These conversations inform the organization on ways to improve next year’s program by placing the students’ needs and interests first.
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