This program has been rolled into Skillpoint Alliance's STEM Council. More information will be coming soon.
Note: Information below is only for past DMY programs.
The Digital Media for Youth (DMY) Program
The Digital Media for Youth (DMY) program prepares students to meet the growing needs of the Central Texas digital media workforce through training in advanced technology tools and applications. Through DMY, the Digital Media Council (DMC) at Skillpoint Alliance has supported the next generation of digital media professionals by:
- Ensuring industry input in curriculum design and articulation
- Arranging site visits for students
- Bringing industry professionals into the classroom, and
- Coordinating an industry-judged student design competition with award ceremony and educational panels.
Click here for the latest from the Digital Media Council at Skillpoint Alliance.
In 2006, DMY was funded by a Dell Foundation Connected Communities Grant to facilitate dialogue among Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Manor ISD, and Hays CISD with Austin Community College (ACC) and the local game development industry to design and implement game development curriculum for high school classes. ACC's state-certified video game development certificate program served as the model, and the Digital Media Council (DMC) at Skillpoint Alliance supplemented the school districts' resources to ensure they had the necessary program materials.
In 2007-2008, 27 teachers and 1,254 students received DMY training, participated in field trips, and received industry feedback. A course-length video game design curriculum was created and implemented at Lehman High School in Hays CISD. Survey data showed strong positive outcomes for students, including an increase in:
- The relevance of academics to their lives,
- Awareness of digital media careers,
- Engagement in their own educations, and
- Awareness of how digital media fields use the math, science, and technology principles that students are required to learn.
Also in 2008, in partnership with the Austin School of Film, DMY began supporting educators teaching advanced digital production. Using the high school video game development course as a model, the DMC provided classroom support, student training workshops, industry tours, and classroom speakers.
In June 2010, digital media projects by 105 students were presented to 2,500 of their peers, digital media executives, and postsecondary educators through the DMY competition, website, awards ceremony, and traveling showcase. Students were especially excited about receiving feedback about their work from industry insiders.
Through DMY, the Digital Media Council (DMC) is currently developing a 4-year high school game design career pathway course sequence with summer learning opportunities, educator support, and a capstone practicum. Participating students will tour digital media sites, work in project teams, develop a professional resume and portfolio, and engage in business accounting, budgeting, and project management. They will meet and have the opportunity to work with private sector mentors who can serve as future references and potential employers.
