In 2019, Kauai Community College Creative Media instructor Steve Watkins determined that students and lecturers in all Creative Media classes should work together each term to support local nonprofit organizations. Students work with nonprofits producing professional fundraising and promotional video programs, musical compositions, still photographs, graphics, and websites. These are the most heavily weighted assignments and projects. 

Each term, a minimum of five nonprofit organizations are chosen for a variety of digital media projects. Students get hands-on experience with high-quality production processes and open communication channels similar to that of an expert advertising agency. The students, in turn, develop professional relationships with prospective employers and keep KCC active in the community.

This year, Growing Our Own Teachers on Kauai was one of the nonprofits selected. One of our directors, Rose Ramos-Benzel, is serving as the point person for our project. With input from our Fundraising/Marketing Committee, Steve’s Intermediate Digital Video class, along with the Photography students, are creating a video about our organization which will be geared toward prospective donors. Featured in the video will be President Nancy Kanna, Paul Zina, Ron Wiley, an annual donor, as well as past and current recipients. Interviews will be conducted this month, with editing and final delivery of the project by early December. 

We are extremely excited about this project and the many ways we can use the final footage to promote our organization, to attract donors and scholarship recipients, and raise funds.