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Student media empowers campus program

By Yael Even:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – On Friday, Feb. 11, Empower joined student journalists in the UATV studio for a control room workshop followed by a guest speaker. 

Empower is a post-secondary transitional program that provides students with a neurodivergent background a non-degree seeking college experience. Students in Empower will receive a university-recognized certificate of program completion.  

“I am elated for this partnership between Empower and Student Media,” said Internship Placement Specialist, Devin Boggs Riley 

Empower has developed multiple partnerships with departments on campus to provide internship opportunities for its students. Student media has decided to take part. Junior Henry Jones will be interning with UATV beginning in the spring of 2022. UATV staff members will work alongside Jones, teaching him anything from working the control room to the essential skills to succeed in broadcasting. 

“This partnership will allow students within the neurodiverse community representation,” Riley said, “and an opportunity to serve alongside their peers and gain valuable hands-on experience working in a state-of-the-art broadcast studio in student media here at the University of Arkansas. We will continue to move the needle closer to creating a more diversified and inclusive campus through this partnership.” 

Over the four years, students will have learned how to become independent, navigate social situations, and develop the essential skills to become gainfully employed. This program prepares its students to become autonomous individuals and successful citizens of their communities.