The Digital Media Council (DMC) facilitates strategic partnerships between industry, education, and community leaders to strengthen the digital media workforce in Central Texas. Our members link creative technology to economic vitality through networking, professional trainings, and life-changing youth programs.
Click here for the latest from the Digital Media Council at Skillpoint Alliance.
Organizations such as the DMC are absolutely essential for any region hoping to foster and grow digital media and entertainment related industries.
Russell Rains Director, Digital Media Management Program
St. Edward's University
Accomplishments
Since forming in 2005, the DMC has earned an excellent reputation as the go-to organization for digital media education in Central Texas. We have:
Played a key role in developing an Economic Impact analysis of the entertainment software industry in Austin MSA,
Provided annual teacher training in digital media and game development,
Provided students with opportunities to work on video game projects for real clients,
Facilitated outreach opportunities for industry professionals to give back to the next generation, and
Developed innovative high schoool game development curriculum
Along with its sister council, the Technology and Education Executive Council (TEEC), the DMC has deployed the Velocity Prep program, an innovative student-led consulting company, to students from AISD, Pflugerville ISD and Girlstart. Velocity Prep puts high School students work for a mock company tackling real world challenges in problem-solving, teamwork, communication and time management. This mock company is then “hired” to solve a specific problem for a real industry client. Industry clients have included SXSW Film, C3 Presents, NCsoft, and AMD.
Our signature Digital Media for Youth (DMY) program implements comprehensive digital media curriculum in Central Texas high schools. Through DMY, the DMC has provided students and teachers with advanced technology workshops, college and career awareness events, and a regional competition and showcase. In 2011, we helped define and implement at high school game design career pathway in Pflugerville ISD. The pathway includes a 4-year course sequence, summer learning opportunity, educator support, and capstone practicum. DMY promotes student achievement by: a) ensuring industry input in curriculum design and articulation, b) arranging site visits for students, and c) bringing industry professionals into the classroom.
Get Involved
We need dues paying members to keep these programs alive. Please join the DMC today. Among other benefits, the DMC hosts quarterly meetings that bring together industry professionals, educators, and community leaders.
Hundreds of 9- to 14-year-olds participated in the Central Texas FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program thanks to the amazing support of parents, schools, mentors from local high tech companies, colleges and universities, and tons of volutneers. Students engaged in hands-on probelm solving with LEGO Robotics while researching real-world issues and creating their own solutions. "This event was amazing," an FLL student participant said. "My team had such a wonderful time. The energy and enthusiasm were unbelievable."