Empower is joining student media in the UATV studio in Kimpel Hall at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11. Student journalists will host a control room workshop for members of Empower followed by a guest speaker.

Empower is a post-secondary transitional program that provides a college experience to non-degree-seeking students who have a neurodivergent background. Students in Empower will receive a university-recognized certificate of program completion. Over the four years, students will have learned how to become independent, navigate social situations, and develop the essential skills to become gainfully employed. This program prepares its students to become autonomous individuals and successful citizens of their communities.  

Empower has developed multiple partnerships throughout different departments on campus to provide internship opportunities for its students. Student media has decided to take part. Junior Henry Jones will be interning with UATV beginning in the spring of 2022. UATV staff members will work alongside Jones, teaching him everything from working the control room and the essential skills to succeed in broadcasting.

"I am elated for this partnership between Empower and Student Media," said Devin Boggs Riley, internship placement specialist. "This partnership will allow students within the neurodiverse community representation and an opportunity to serve alongside their peers and gain valuable hands-on experience working in a state-of-the-art broadcast studio in student media here at the University of Arkansas. We will continue to move the needle closer to creating a more diversified and inclusive campus through this partnership." 

For questions and details, contact Yael Even, director of strategic media and collaboration, at yaeleven@uark.edu.