McDaniel College Helps Local Nonprofits Get Video Savvy

Carroll County is the home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. Many of those organizations are not large enough and do not have enough funding to support communications or public relations staff positions. Others just find it challenging to keep up with evolving technology and new media.

McDaniel College professor Julia Jasken and her crew of digital aficionados helped some of those nonprofits create video public service announcements. According to the McDaniel website, Jasken is a strong supporter of service learning and frequently involves her students in the community as part of their coursework.

"It's just so valuable for students to see these videos come to life – videos that are designed to raise awareness about important social issues for our community,” Jasken said. “These videos help organizations get their message out and make a difference in the lives of people in the community. I can't imagine a better learning experience for our students."

Students involved with the project include junior Ben Azat of New Windsor, Md., and seniors Megan Franey of Marriottsville, Md., Sara Krome of New Windsor, Md., Megan Robinson of Hanover, Pa., and Danielle Sirk of Littlestown, Pa.

In addition to United Hands, community organizations participating in the workshop were Disabled Veterans Chapter 22, Family and Children’s Services of Maryland, Melanoma Foundation, Carroll County Community Mediation Center, Catastrophic Health Planners, Carroll County Food Sunday, Literacy Council of Carroll County, Marriage Resource Center, Caring Carroll, GROW Mission, and Human Services Program.