At High Plains Technology Center in Oklahoma, DECA advisor Katrina McDowell is teaching her members that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Under her guidance, students have gotten involved in the community through digital marketing, event management and in-classroom learning opportunities.
When students enter the Business and Marketing program at High Plains Technology Center, they're connected to the community in various ways, thanks to advisor Katrina McDowell, who serves as the Woodward Main Street Chairman.
One way students are gaining real-world career skills is through the management of Woodward Main Street's social media platforms and website.
Woodward Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preservation-based economic development. Through the Main Street America™ movement and their community partners, they empower commerce revitalization by celebrating, supporting, and sustaining their historic commercial district in a rural region.
Each year, approximately 8-10 students are selected from the Business and Marketing program based on their interest in digital marketing and key soft skills, including dependability and attention to detail. Once selected, the students are involved in the whole content creation process from start to finish.
"Because our class already focuses on marketing, public relations, and entrepreneurship, it was a natural partnership," McDowell noted.
Throughout the year, students rotate responsibilities so that everyone gains experience in writing posts, creating graphics and updating the website. They create and schedule social media posts for Facebook and Instagram, design promotional graphics for upcoming activities, and update event pages and business spotlights on the website.
Students gain valuable, hands-on experience in digital marketing while helping to promote community events and businesses. It's a win-win partnership for everyone involved.
Not only do students gain digital experience, but they also attend events to take photos and videos, while gathering information for event recaps to share afterward. The same events that students market to the community - such as Trick or Treat on Main, Restaurant BINGO, the Giant Pumpkin Drop and the Christmas Parade - are also ones that they can volunteer for, giving them even more experience through on-site event management and execution.
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Ms. McDowell also invites local business owners, city leaders, and Main Street partners to speak with students in the Business and Marketing program on a monthly basis, inspiring and educating them about leadership, career readiness, and community involvement. Then, the digital marketing team of students highlights these visits on social media, thanking the speakers and showing the community how they can get further involved with educational opportunities for emerging leaders.
Students also regularly work with Woodward board members, and five students even serve on Woodward Main Street's Organization Committee and Promotions Committee.
I’m extremely proud of my students for the pride they take in serving their community. As one of my students recently said, “It’s exciting to see our designs and posts make people come downtown and support local businesses. We feel like we’re really part of something bigger.” - Ms. McDowell shared.
The Woodward Main Street community partnership helps High Plains Technology Center students develop skills that'll carry over to any career they pursue.
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