The Smithville/DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce has received a $50,000 grant to purchase equipment for the DeKalb County High School’s digital media department.
Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Williams said the grant is from the state’s ThreeStar Program. Williams said said the chamber plans to work with the school to produce videos featuring things to do in the county and businesses.
“It’s just a great win-win for our community, “Williams said. “I think, you know, getting students interested in not only, you know, just doing social media, but seeing a way to work it into your classroom.”
Williams said the purchase includes drones, studio lighting and multiple cameras. Williams said the equipment has already been delivered and installed at the school.
“We thought, you know, what a great opportunity to provide the students with the capacity to learn the digital media skills and marketing,” Williams said. “We thought we’d mix in a little big of helping the school system and also helping promote our county at the same time. It’s a win-win.”
Williams said for this year’s request, the chamber decided to find a way to enhance education in DeKalb County.
“So it’s like a win-win because it helps promote tourism, helps get students learn more about marketing and the digital.” Williams said. “They are already naturally awesome at it and this is just honing their skills.”
