Lights, Camera, Mt. Hood Community College: Grant to train future film editors, video producers

Mt. Hood Community College was awarded an impressive grant to help train students in media technology to work in film, television, and other visual mediums.

The school will use $649,000 from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program to fund: “Building Credentialed Media Technology Pathways for Priority Populations from High School through Community Colleges to Industry.”

What that will be is a program to create educational and career pathways in media technology, for underrepresented groups. It will begin with high school and continue through community college. It will include partnerships with employers, labor unions and media associations to develop new industry-recognized credentials.

“This new grant allows us to expand our commitment to inclusive education and workforce development,” said Dr. Lisa Skari, MHCC president. “It’s about creating real opportunities that lead to employment in high-tech, creative fields for students who might not otherwise have these chances.”

The program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world context. Some of the pathways include special effects artists and animators, audio and video technicians, broadcast technicians, sound engineering technicians, lighting technicians and film editors.

“For many years we have relied on MHCC to train the creative workforce for the film, TV, and media industry,” said Oregon Film Executive Director Tim Williams. “Many of our most experienced producers and filmmakers have come through their programs.”

“Having the flexibility and instructor talent that can adapt and respond to the training needs of an evolving workforce is even more critical to keeping Oregon at the center of creative project creation,” he added.

Learn more about the integrated media program at mhcc.edu/education-options/degrees-certificates/integrated-media .