CPBN’s Learning Lab Offers a Free Program Teaching War Veterans Valuable Digital Media Skills

– Applications Still Being Accepted for Veterans Vocational Training Program Scheduled to Begin May 2013 –

HARTFORD, Conn. (April 25, 2013) – The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) has been Connecticut’s largest classroom for 50 years, bringing high-quality programs to thousands of people every day. Now CPBN is strengthening its mission to serve, educate and enlighten by creating a state-of-the-art teaching facility, the Learning Lab – 20,000 square feet of classroom and studio space housed on two floors of CPBN’s Asylum Hill offices. The Learning Lab will be teaching Hartford high school students in journalism and media skills, but after the school day is over, the facility offers its services to another group.

The Veterans Vocational Training Program will launch May 14, offering a free opportunity for veterans to train for a career in media arts and video production at Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network in Hartford. For the pilot, CPBN is transforming its television studio into a learning facility that will use the power of digital media technology to inspire learning, spark innovation and develop workforce skills in post 9/11 veterans.

The program is made possible through the generous corporate sponsorship of The Newman’s Own Foundation, Wal-Mart Foundation, SBM Charitable Foundation, Farmington Bank Community Foundation, and others.

Returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan combat zones face unprecedented challenges as they try to reintegrate into civilian society. The unemployment rate for veterans is higher than the national average. In addition to the tremendous stress of re-entering society in general, veterans are in need of programs to help them translate military skills into civilian jobs.

With the Veterans Vocational Training Program, veterans learn from award-winning professionals in television, radio and new media production and gain real-world experience.
Completion of the program leads to industry-specific certifications in digital arts or video production and includes portfolio development. Participants gain experience working with media professionals on digital projects and productions, ranging from live broadcasts to studio operations to web services. To ensure veterans attain employment opportunities, the program also plans to partner with local businesses.

The Veterans Vocational Training Program is still seeking applicants for its first session beginning Tuesday, May 13. Those interested in applying must have the following qualifications:

• Post 9/11 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans*
• Honorable discharge from military service
• Basic to advanced computer skills
• Interest in media for a potential career

* (future programs open to all veterans and spouses)

To learn more about the Veterans Vocational Training Program or to apply, contact Major (ret) Tim Krusko, Program Consultant at 860-275-7264 or email [email protected] To learn more about the Learning Lab, visit cpbn.org/LearningLab or contact Donna Sodipo, Director of Educational Services at 860-275-7337 or [email protected]

About Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CBPN) includes CPTV and WNPR. CPTV, a media service of CPBN, is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including original documentaries, public affairs shows and educational programming. CPTV has built a reputation as a leader in children’s programming, including playing an historic role in bringing Barney & Friends™, Bob the Builder™ and Thomas & Friends™ to public television. The station offers 11.5 hours of positive, nurturing children’s programs each weekday, reaching 50,000 to 70,000 households daily. The CBPN also includes WNPR, an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media.

WNPR serves 260,000 listeners weekly in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island with news and information. Its award-winning local programming includes The Faith Middleton Show, The Colin McEnroe Show and Where We Live. CPBN also includes two affiliate channels: CPTV4U, a 24/7 television channel featuring award-winning drama, news and talk programming, concert performances, independent films, nature shows, British comedy and more; and CPTV Sports, Connecticut’s only 24-hour local sports network, covering statewide high school, college, semi-professional and professional sports. For more information, visit cpbn.org.