Communication is one of the top
factors tied to job performance in today’s world, and developing
that skill is extremely important in order to reach any level of
success. With such a highly competitive job market, every
opportunity available to perfect that skill is extremely vital to
stand out against other job seekers.
In an effort to make such
an opportunity possible, Wartburg College will again be the home for
a unique, nationally-acclaimed program this month. The college’s
communication arts department and the Iowa Broadcasters Association
are sponsoring the 12th annual Wartburg/IBA Summer Broadcasting
Workshop for high school students. This nationally-recognized
five-day workshop is offered twice, during the weeks of July 19 and
July 26. Throughout the week, participants will experience training
in radio, television and media management using the college’s
state-of-the-art digital equipment and facilities.
“What sets
this program apart from others is that the students get to broadcast
live on radio and television, using state-of-the-art equipment,”
said workshop director Dr. Jeff Stein, the college’s R.J. McElroy
Chair and Executive-In-Residence in Communication Arts.
“Communication is a key to success, and this workshop gives
students a leg up on learning how to communicate, whether they go
into broadcasting as a career or not.”
Students will take to
the air live on Wartburg radio and television after attending
classes, touring local radio and television stations, and meeting
with various media professionals. In addition, the students will
work with college student counselors to maximize their experience.
“I was able to touch great, high-quality equipment like
commercial TV stations and radio stations use, and then I also got to
be on TV. I got to anchor on a real television show which was
phenomenal,” said Nikki Newbrough, a KWWL-TV reporter who attended
the workshop in 2006. “I couldn’t believe that I got the
opportunity to do something like this as a junior and senior in high
school.”
Participation in the workshop is limited, based on
merit, but a few spots remain in this summer’s workshops. Those who
have completed eighth grade through recent high school graduates are
eligible to apply. Participants in the past have represented not
only Iowa and other Midwestern states, but New York, Florida,
Arizona, California, Colorado, and many other states.
Cost of
the workshop is $225, which includes housing in the residence halls
at Wartburg and all meals. Participants also receive video and audio
discs, a commemorative shirt, and gifts and mementos from Iowa radio
and television stations. Information and registration forms are
available at www.wartburg.edu/workshop.
The state’s
broadcasters association sponsors the annual camps because they
believe in developing future professionals at a young age. The
program, which was moved to Wartburg from Iowa State University in
1999 under Stein’s direction, has also expanded to include high
school teachers. The teachers’ workshop qualifies for continuing
education/certification credit. Additionally, IBA sponsors college
scholarships through its Quarton-McElroy Trust.
Nick Jellings, a
Wartburg senior who attended the workshop in 2006 and 2007, said,
“The workshops were a great opportunity to get hands-on experience
in what exactly you would do in the real world. It’s an experience
that you will never regret having.”
For more information,
contact Dr. Jeff Stein at jeff.stein@wartburg.edu or 1-800-772-2085,
extension 8534.