ParaDYM Academy is our after-school and extended day program made up of hands- on, interactive, interconnected media programs called, Co-Ops. Co-Ops are designed to empowering at-risk and marginalized youth through transmedia production and media literacy. Our Co-Ops are hands-on, therefore students learn by working on media projects for local nonprofits in need of media production.
ParaDYM Academy
Since 2008, ParaDYM Academy has provided after school and out-of-school instruction in video production, digital music production, and game design to over 1,500 marginalized youth throughout Central Connecticut.
play. produce. empower.
PROJECTS
ParaDYM Academy Superstars have worked on several documentaries Web series (3-10 mins long) one video per month:
ParaDYM Plays -music, movies, gaming and sports web series (interviews, Top 10s, etc)
Duality of the Badge – community policing web series (interviews with local law enforcement officers and community activists)
Food for Thought – food/food justice web series – interviews with food justice advocates, nutritionists and chefs
‘Trep House - entrepreneurship web series with the New Britain Downtown District- interviews with local business people, youth on ideas for businesses
Since 2017, ParaDYM Academy Superstars have participated in PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs. PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs are classrooms, after-school programs and clubs around the country producing original, inspiring reports about how national and global issues affect local communities. ParaDYM
The PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs initiative is building the next generation of public media with a unique digital journalism curriculum, local PBS station mentors and the opportunity to tell important community stories to the world.
The program creates transformational education experiences for middle and high school students in classrooms and after-school environments. Students engage in a powerful form of journalistic inquiry, media production and student-centered learning that build critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, news literacy and communication skills.
By giving them a voice and the opportunity to reach millions of people via the PBS NewsHour broadcast and digital platforms, the program inspires youth to speak up and be part of the solution.
StudentCam is C-SPAN's annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation.
This year students in grades 6-12 are asked to create a short (5-6 minute) video documentary on a topic related to the new 2019 competition theme, "What does it mean to be American? Choose a constitutional right, national characteristic, or historic event and explain how it defines the American experience."
The FOX 61 Student News program empowers Connecticut middle and high school students to explore the world of multi-media journalism by giving them the opportunity to capture, edit and publish original content under the guidance of industry professionals.
Each student produced and hosted segment will showcase a local story or event, highlighting all that is great about our state and align with our station’s mission of HOPE. Segments will be featured on-air during Friday’s Morning News at 7:25 a.m., the 5 and 10 p.m. news. twice during the FOX61 Morning News on Saturday, on our Facebook page and right here on FOX61.com!