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Yellowstone Productions - YME and RCW
A partnership between Yellow Medicine East High School, Renville County West High School, Pioneer Public Television (PBS), and Ridgewater Community and Technical College has received a LYFT Career Pathways Innovation award to develop and implement the Yellowstone Productions course. This innovative program gives students hands-on experience in media production and digital storytelling while building valuable connections with local businesses and the community.
Program Overview
The Yellowstone Productions course empowers students from two districts to collaborate in specialized teams to create meaningful projects that benefit their schools, communities, and the local economy. Guided by a teacher acting as a facilitator, students work both independently and collectively, making decisions and driving innovation.
A key project within the course is Renewed Memories, where students work directly with senior citizens from the Living at Home-Block Nurse Program (LAHBNP) to restore and preserve old photographs, slides, and film. Students meet with seniors to gather personal stories and digitize their media, preserving valuable memories while learning essential media production and communication skills.
Through this project, students:
- Restore and digitize old photos and film
- Record conversations with seniors about the importance of these memories
- Create a documentary that combines restored imagery with personal stories
- Present the final documentary at a community event hosted by Pioneer Public Television (PBS)
Students also explore career opportunities by touring Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and Ridgewater Community and Technical College, learning about media production and communications training programs.
Students Impacted
- 57 students have participated in the Yellowstone Productions course since its launch.
- Students gained valuable real-world experience in media production, storytelling, and community engagement.
Educational and Industry Partners
This project is made possible through the collaboration and support of:
- Yellow Medicine East High School
- Renville County West High School
- Pioneer Public Television (PBS)
- Ridgewater Community and Technical College
- Living at Home-Block Nurse Program (LAHBNP)
- West Central Printing
- Nostalgic Media
- Legacybox
Key Outcomes & Success Stories
- Increased student engagement and interest in media production careers
- Strengthened ties between students and the local community
- Direct collaboration with local businesses and media organizations
- Enhanced communication and technical skills through hands-on learning
Lessons Learned & Future Plans
- Students gained a deeper appreciation for local history and community connections.
- Working with multiple generations created meaningful personal and professional growth.
- Continued collaboration with local business leaders will enhance future projects and career pathways.
This program bridges media production education with community service, providing students with real-world skills and career insights while preserving local history.
For more information, contact Tamara Isfeld at Yellow Medicine East Schools.
- Arts, Communications, and Information Systems