Fostering a Love for Learning That Happens Everywhere

Beyond the walls of the classroom, there’s a world waiting to be explored. The core purpose of the Portrait of a Nevada Learner is to bring academic knowledge to life. We cannot do this without community involvement. 

Since 2023, 21 different organizations partnered with the Future of Learning Network to create various Community Learning Projects aligned to the portrait. The goal is to connect students with off-campus learning opportunities for growth. Students have been connected with mentors, civic programs, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions to engage in projects across various areas of learning. 

“These community learning projects give us a chance to show what we mean about bringing the portrait to life,” said Sarah O’Connell, Community Learning Project Program Director. “Because the students aren't just empowered to show who they are, but they can connect to the community and to other opportunities. And it's a way for all of us to feel like we're thriving, just like the values of the portrait set out to do.” 

O’Connell leads this work and serves as the main liaison between educators, students, and community partners. Among the 21 participating community organizations are: The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada, Desert Research Institute, The Neon Museum, The Nevada Women’s Film Festival, KUNV Public Radio, Poetry Promise Inc, and more. 

Young Filmmakers’ Workshop and Showcase 

It’s Wednesday, June 19, 2024 and the lobby at the UNLV Flora Dungan Humanities Building is buzzing with guests coming and going across the red carpet. In the crowd are students, educators, parents, and professional filmmakers all waiting to see the Young Filmmakers’ Showcase as part of the 10th annual Nevada Women’s Film Festival. 

“The Nevada Women's Film Festival has been an outstanding nonprofit organization for many years, so I was really excited when they gave us a proposal because they're exactly the kind of bridge we want between the classroom and the workforce, as well as a chance for personal development and self-awareness that comes from storytelling.” said O’Connell. 

Five teams of five students each, all from Canyon Springs High School, have been working with filmmaking mentors to write, plan, produce, and record five different short films. These films will now be shown on the big screen at the Festival.

“This project directly supports work based learning,” said Ms. Keva McGee, video production teacher at Canyon Springs High School. “For me the light bulb moment happens when they realize that what they’re learning in class, they are now applying it hands-on.” 

“It took us about two weeks to work on the idea, one day to film, and the editing took the rest of the semester,” said Eason, a senior at Canyon Springs High School. 

“We also learned about making music, the timing of music, the different keys and notes and octaves,” said Braylon, a senior at Canyon Springs High School. “We got to experience first hand the struggles of scheduling,” said Eason. “Meeting deadlines and breaking deadlines,” adds Braylon. 

“The mentors were exceptional. They had patience with the students and realized these students were serious about what they were doing,” said McGee. 

“Having the industry professionals help us made me feel more in control of it,” said Priscilla, another student from Canyon Springs. “They made it to where they were teaching us, instead of just hogging everything.”

Many of these students had never made a short film before. Through this project, they have also been afforded the opportunity to apply for a student scholarship from the Nevada Broadcasters Association. 

“When you’re working with such a great mentor like Ms. MGee, you realize this is actually what the industry does. We have state of the art equipment, we have almost everything an actual studio has, so we’re getting the best hands-on experience you can ask for,” adds Easton.  

Communication, collaboration, and teamwork are among the common skills the students’ said they learned throughout their video projects. 

“Definitely teamwork, because you have to learn how to work with your team,” adds Citlaly, a junior at Canyon Springs High School. “And having patience, because it’s a long process, but it’s really worth it at the end of the day.” 

All the video footage was recorded on campus during one day, and with one camera. All five short-films were played at the Festival. Following the screening, all students were honored on stage and participated in a Question and Answer session with attendees. 

“I’m ecstatic, I’m happy to know that I’m continuing my tradition of teaching young students and exposing them to industry,” said McGee. 

Beyond the start of an industry portfolio, these students are building durable skills that are preparing them for life after graduation. 

“It's not just about knowing what you can bring to the table, it's about knowing what you can take away from the experience. And when you do that, you become the kind of worker that any business is glad to have on their team,” adds O’Connell. 

https://youtu.be/Lb6OvNJWRFs