Press Releases
WCNY Awarded ‘American Graduate: Jobs Explained’ Grant to Create Digital Videos Connecting Youth to Careers
by
May 16, 2023
WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is one of 10 public media stations nationwide selected to create digital career-focused videos to help connect young people with potential careers in the next chapter of the American Graduate public media initiative – “American Graduate: Jobs Explained.” Led by The WNET Group and funded by a $3.2 million grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), “American Graduate: Jobs Explained” focuses on digital content developed by, with and for youth, and shared on social media platforms to help young people stay inspired, commit to continued education and training, and explore potential careers.
After the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic and the Great Resignation, educational institutions and American employers alike are considering how to best prepare the next generation of students for careers. Through “American Graduate: Jobs Explained,” public media stations will work with local youth to produce social media videos on careers in specific industries. WCNY is producing videos about Advanced Manufacturing available at the username: @industrialjobs_explained on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube with #JobsExplained and tailored hashtags. WCNY will also promote this project through live events and community partnerships.
“WCNY is pleased to partner with businesses and schools across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley on this exciting public communications project,” said Mitch Gelman, President and CEO at WCNY. “Along with stations across the country, we look forward to celebrating these emerging economic opportunities and, specifically, to help provide pathways to jobs in the growing industrial manufacturing industry in our region.”
The WNET Group, which is leading the national “American Graduate: Jobs Explained” effort, worked with CPB to select and collaborate with the 10 stations. Please see the full list of stations below, along with their career-focused industry:
WFSU – Tallahassee, FL – @HealthcareJobs_Explained
OETA – Oklahoma City, OK – @AerospaceJobs_Explained
WCNY – Syracuse, NY – @IndustrialJobs_Explained
Maine Public – Lewiston, ME – @GreenJobs_Explained
Idaho PTV – Boise, ID – @ConstructJobs_Explained
Ideastream Public Media – Cleveland, OH – @ShippingJobs_Explained
WHUT – Washington, DC – @TravelJobs_Explained
Detroit Public Television – Wixom, MI – @TechJobs_Explained
Alaska Public Media – Anchorage, AK – @TransportJobs_Explained
WQED – Pittsburgh, PA – @CyberJobs_Explained
“CPB’s support of the American Graduate initiative helped to increase the high school graduation rate, and now our support of ‘American Graduate: Jobs Explained’ will help young people discover and prepare for meaningful jobs and careers,” said Patricia Harrison, President and CEO of CPB. “’American Graduate: Jobs Explained’ will connect with students through social media to highlight career paths in their communities.”
The WNET Group will curate and manage the national “American Graduate: Jobs Explained” social media accounts, produce a professional development series, and assemble National Business Advisory and National Youth Advisory meetings, among other activities. “American Graduate: Jobs Explained” will also have a project website, providing a central hub for information about the work, as well as resources for young job seekers. Station partners will convene local business advisory and youth advisory groups and lead in-person or virtual community events, such as educator workshops or job trainings.
About WCNY
As Central New York’s public communication organization, WCNY is committed to improving education, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing quality of life by telling our stories, serving our communities, and encouraging appreciation for diversity, partnership, and learning. WCNY is proud to produce content across multiple platforms, including television, radio, and social media. Through its media platforms, in-person and virtual events, WCNY brings local coverage and educational services to Central New Yorkers. WCNY operates four digital, pledge-free broadcast channels and three radio stations. Classic FM is one of a few radio stations in the world dedicated to locally programmed classical music.
About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. For more information, visit cpb.org, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and subscribe for other updates.
About WNET
The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York’s THIRTEEN – America’s flagship PBS station – WLIW21, THIRTEEN PBSKids, WLIW World and Create; NJ PBS, New Jersey’s statewide public television network; Long Island’s only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; newsroom NJ Spotlight News; and FAST channel PBS Nature. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month. The WNET Group’s award-winning productions include signature PBS series Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, and Amanpour and Company and trusted local news programs MetroFocus and NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi. Inspiring curiosity and nurturing dreams, The WNET Group’s award-winning Kids’ Media and Education team produces the PBS KIDS series Cyberchase, interactive Mission US history games, and resources for families, teachers and caregivers. A leading nonprofit public media producer for more than 60 years, The WNET Group presents and distributes content that fosters lifelong learning, including multiplatform initiatives addressing poverty, jobs, economic opportunity, social justice, understanding and the environment. Through Passport, station members can stream new and archival programming anytime, anywhere. The WNET Group represents the best in public media. Join us.
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