Today, the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) hosted S.H.E. Academy, Inc.’s Metamorphosis “Boss Babe” summer mentoring program.
Young women ages 13 to 16 toured the school to learn about the behind-the-scenes work of journalism and SJGC’s academic and training offerings.
The program is set apart from typical summer camps because it focuses on empowering mentees with resources and tools for personal transformation, teaching them that summer can be more than about fun, but about growth. The organizers aim to expose students to career and educational opportunities that broaden their horizons and encourage them to pursue futures unique to them, not the status quo.
Their SJGC stop was one of several educational enrichment visits to local campuses and STEM facilities, such as the Challenger Center and MagLab, during the multi-week summer program. This year’s focus is building confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong connections, and, according to Executive Director Shaqualyn “Ms. Quay” Shedrick, today’s time at SJGC accomplished just that.
Shedrick said she was pleased by the impact of the visit, which allowed participants to see the student print and digital media convergence area, the radio station, and the TV station.
“We meet our girls where they are, and many struggle with confidence and using their voices at this age,” she said. “I was impressed by the broadcast journalism students who spoke to them and exuded confidence. Engaging with them led to a breakthrough. One student said, ‘I could be a news anchor.’ That is important because this age group doesn’t watch the news; they get their news from TikTok.”
S.H.E. Academy summer program participants received a hands-on look inside the world of media.
Shedrick added that interacting with SJGC representatives, including tour facilitator Terrence Ward, director of WANM-FM, helped normally shy students come out of their shells. They engaged in on-camera activities and even created their own radio personality names and intros while at the station.
“The experience allowed them to explore different roles and learn not to limit themselves to their insecurities. It helped them see a new worldview for themselves,” said Shedrick, a proud FAMU graduate. Program leader Shardai Sallye, who accompanied the students during the tour, is also a Rattler and former staff member of WANM.
“It is always an honor to share the SJGC experience with young, bright minds and show them the possibilities of their future,” said Ward, an alumnus who has been managing tours, scholastic engagement, and recruiting for SJGC since 2022. “We look forward to hosting more youth programs and allowing them to have an interactive learning experience in our facilities.”
Learn more about S.H.E. Academy below.
- Web: www.sheacademyinc.com
- Instagram: @sheacademyinc
- Facebook: sheacademyinc
- LinkedIn: She Academy Inc
Photos by Curtis Smith
