Okaloosa County School District launches student-led media program to showcase school life and success
Okaloosa County, Florida – The Okaloosa County School District has started a new program to make students the stars of stories on their campuses. The NextGen Communicators program, also known as the Student Ambassador Program, will let high school students in grades 10 through 12 use digital media to talk about their schools’ daily life, energy, and achievements.
Six schools in the county will choose participants: Baker, Laurel Hill, Crestview, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and Choctawhatchee. When selected, these ambassadors will act as reporters on the ground, making photos, videos, reels, and news articles that show off student accomplishments, special events, and community activities. Their work will be published on district platforms, which will make sure that a lot of people see the stories.
The program is set up to do more than just give them a place to be creative. The OCSD Communications Department and the district’s Digital Media and Communications Specialist will work directly with the ambassadors. They will have to do regular tasks and projects that are related to bigger communication goals. This will give them a taste of how media works in the real world. This experience will help them establish professional portfolios and abilities that could lead to jobs in journalism, marketing, or digital media in the future.
The ambassadors’ duties are very clear. Students must work closely with the communications team, create high-quality content that may be used by the district, and finish certain tasks that are given to them throughout the school year. They will also represent their schools in a professional and creative way, speaking for their classmates and showing off the pride and variety of Okaloosa County schools.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “This is a great opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and showcase what is happening on their school campus. Not only will they be developing skills that translate directly into future careers, but they will also be highlighting the incredible stories that make Okaloosa schools so special.” The NextGen Communicators Program is more than just a leadership role—it is a platform for students to amplify the stories that matter most in Okaloosa County.
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The NextGen Communicators project changes the way the district tells its story by providing students the tools and responsibility to help shape the tale. The district’s website has more information for students who want to apply to the program. For those selected, the job will not only be a leadership role, but it will also give them the ability to make a difference in their school community.
