SC Media-Ready
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Transforming Education Through Media Technology
Bridging the digital divide in South Carolina's underserved communities by equipping students with industry-standard media production skills and real-world career pathways.
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Program Overview: A Strategic CTE Initiative
The South Carolina CTE Media-Ready Program, developed by Ms. Shenelle Gerald and led by the National Public School Broadcast Network (NPSBN), represents a groundbreaking effort to expand Media Technology Career and Technical Education pathways across the state.
Launching 2026 in Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Sumter Counties as extended pilot sites, this initiative transforms classrooms into industry-simulated environments that bridge academic instruction with hands-on media production experience. Each participating site receives comprehensive infrastructure, curriculum, and professional support to ensure full implementation of the Media Tech 1–4 course sequence.
Shenelle Gerald, KHS CTE Media Tech Instructor
V.P. Curriculum Development for NPSBN
Professional-Grade Equipment and Technology
Each participating site receives state-of-the-art media production infrastructure designed to simulate real-world broadcast environments. This includes a dedicated Learning Management System for Media Tech instruction, news media scripting and editorial planning tools, and broadcast management platforms.
The program features a fully operational Over-The-Top (OTT) TV station with media content management system, integrated with edu.mySBNtv servers to enable real-time content publishing and cross-campus streaming capabilities.
District-Wide Broadcast Integration
Under the leadership of the Media Technical Director, the program supports districts in planning and deploying comprehensive broadcast media solutions. This infrastructure allows media content to be broadcast across all classrooms using internal district networks.
The Media Technical Director collaborates directly with district IT teams to design, configure, and implement the edu.mySBNtv platform and LiveLan technology. This ensures each school's broadcast control room is equipped for seamless, real-time transmission over the school network, creating a unified communication system throughout the district.
Comprehensive Media Lab Implementation
Media Tech 1
Full suite of video production and film equipment tailored for hands-on foundational learning, including cameras, lighting, and basic editing tools.
Media Tech 2
Comprehensive multi-purpose news studio buildout with professional-grade broadcast equipment, teleprompters, and switching systems.
Media Tech 3–4
Integration of real-world, work-based learning via the CCR Edu Community Alliance Program, placing students in practical media assignments with community organizations.
Comprehensive Training and Support
Instructor Training
On-site and remote training in technical instruction, media production, and classroom implementation
Technical Assistance
Continuous help desk access, remote diagnostics, and network integration support
Ongoing Development
Regular upgrade installations and performance maintenance across all school sites
Student Services Department: Real-World Application
By Year 2 of Media Tech 2, each participating school establishes a CTE Media Tech Student Services Department. This student-led production service functions as a fully operational media support hub, covering key school events, producing video announcements, and supporting faculty communications.
Designed for grades 10-12, the department provides advanced learners with industry-aligned production experience through rotating roles and assignments. Students learn professional standards of technical execution, deadline management, collaboration, and ethical storytelling while serving their school communities.
NPSBN: Community Transformation Through Media
"Students are not merely learning to use cameras and edit videos but are being equipped to reshape the institutions and communities from which they come."
The National Public School Broadcast Network transforms schools into centralized hubs for media activity, where students produce content serving their peers, districts, and broader communities. This school-as-media-hub model creates a digital town square and training ground for future communicators and civic leaders.
NPSBN integrates the full spectrum of community life into student learning, from municipal court systems to hospitals, connecting students directly to politics, healthcare, law, education, and city management through media.
CCR Integration: Apprenticeships and Professional Pathways
The Media Tech 3–4 Apprenticeship Program invites exceptional students into apprenticeship roles where they log over 120 hours in real-world production tasks, functioning as in-house media professionals on campus.
1
Civic Programming Production
Students produce content for local governments, school boards, hospitals, and courts
2
Professional Mentoring
Industry staff provide mentoring and professional development opportunities
3
CTE Instructor Pathway
Graduates receive formal recommendations qualifying them for CTE Instructor Eligibility with SC Department of Education
Addressing Critical Educational Gaps
The Problem
Only 27% of rural South Carolina high schools offer digital media or broadcast technology courses, compared to 74% of urban districts. Students in Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Sumter Counties face significant barriers to accessing modern media education and career pathways.
  • 100% of pilot districts lack full Media Tech 1–4 pathways
  • 83% of schools lack video production equipment
  • 91% of students have never worked on real media projects
The Solution
SC Media-Ready provides turnkey studio configurations, state-aligned curriculum, comprehensive teacher training, and authentic work-based learning experiences to close the opportunity gap and prepare students for high-demand media careers.
Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact
The program's success relies on collaborative partnerships spanning state agencies, higher education institutions, and community organizations. NPSBN leads implementation while partnering with South Carolina State University, Morris College, and Claflin University for internship programs and mentorship opportunities.
Higher Education Pipeline
College students from Mass Communications programs intern with NPSBN, creating mentorship opportunities for high school participants
Community Partnerships
Local news agencies, hospitals, courthouses, and municipal offices provide authentic learning experiences and real-world content opportunities
Industry Professionals
Media experts, producers, and television anchors engage students through workshops, reviews, and collaborative projects
Measuring Success and Scaling Impact
Success is measured through comprehensive metrics including CTE enrollment rates, credential attainment, portfolio completion, and work-based learning participation. The program tracks both quantitative outcomes and qualitative impact indicators to ensure continuous improvement.
30
Students Served
Initial pilot at Kingstree High School
3-5
Educators Trained
CTE teachers receiving professional development
120+
Apprenticeship Hours
Real-world production experience for advanced students
Designed for statewide scalability, SC Media-Ready creates a replicable model that transforms rural schools into creative, career-connected learning environments while preparing students for success in the 21st-century workforce.