Career Pathways Program Transforms Learning for 150+ Students in First Year
In addition to our annual career exploration event, which draws more than 400 students each year, the 2024–25 Career Pathways program marked Mosaic Film Experience’s first year of year-round in-school programming, transforming learning for more than 150 students across Grand Rapids. Middle schoolers and high school freshmen from four schools explored digital storytelling, media literacy, and creative career pathways through hands-on, classroom-integrated experiences.
This year’s program reached 60 middle school students from University Preparatory Academy, Southwest Middle High School, and CA Frost Environmental Science Middle High, participating through English Language Arts (ELA), Entrepreneurship, and Journalism classes. It also engaged 84 first-year high school students at Ottawa Hills High School through the Foundations Art course, as well as 8 students at Baxter Community Center and 8 students at West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT).
Designed to align with classroom content and state learning standards, the Career Pathways program gave students hands-on experience in mobile filmmaking and real-world storytelling. Middle school programming took place from October through November 2024, while the high school cohort met for six one-hour sessions over two weeks in January 2025.
With an emphasis on cross-curricular integration, the program reinforced learning in ELA, entrepreneurship, and the visual arts. Students progressed through:
Media literacy and storytelling fundamentals
Story development and storyboarding
Hands-on filming using mobile devices
Post-production editing using iMovie
Vlogging and personal narrative work
Final production showcase and reflection
"Our first year of year-round Career Pathways programming has reaffirmed the power of digital storytelling for students as a creative outlet and a tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and career exploration," said Elizabeth Merriman, Manager of Programming and Education, Mosaic Film Experience. "Students collaborate, express their ideas, and discover new career possibilities through digital media, which reinforces our belief that creative education belongs in every classroom."
In keeping with Mosaic's interactive, real-world learning model, the program emphasized the integration of mobile technology, encouraging students to use smartphones and tablets as accessible tools for storytelling. Students worked on both collaborative projects, such as short films, and individual assignments, like personal vlogs, building confidence in both group settings and independent expression. Story development workshops introduced the foundations of compelling narratives using the three-act structure while filming and editing sessions provided practical experience with professional guidance from Mosaic teaching artists.
Career Pathways sessions were led by talented local teaching artists Kenny Acker, Omar Arredondo, and Joshua Courtade, all professionals working in film, media, and education. Their guidance gave students direct exposure to industry practices and mentorship that extended far beyond the classroom.
From the initial brainstorming to the final edit, students developed skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, all while exploring career paths in digital media, technology, and the creative industries. Throughout the program, students learned how to tell stories while discovering the power of their perspectives and lived experiences.
"I am so glad and thankful to have been able to work with Mosaic,” said Rachel Van Slooten, Teacher, Southwest Middle High School. “I saw students get excited about creating and trying new things."
One student with ADHD, often disengaged in traditional settings, thrived in the storytelling environment, demonstrating creativity and focus that surprised even his teachers. Another, an English Language Learner, connected deeply with a Spanish-speaking instructor and used video to communicate across language barriers, building confidence and pride in the process.
In Summer 2025, a new collaboration with WMCAT, with support from SONY, will offer 10 students paid mentorship in digital media project work, further extending the commitment to support youth creativity and career readiness year-round. Looking ahead, Mosaic Film Experience will build on the success of Career Pathways programming by continuing partnerships with three returning schools this fall and expanding into rural communities without existing media arts resources.
