Baylor JPR&NM Makes Marks in Community

In September, our department partnered with The Waco Central (TX) Links, Incorporated, and Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) to launch the ACE Baylor Links Digital Media Program. The initiative focuses on career awareness, digital media, critical thinking, team building, and socialization skills. Led by Moody-Ramirez and Tina Cole, Killeen ISD HR Recruitment & Retention Director, it meets virtually one day a week. One week, Vasquez led a career talk activity for students during the ACE Baylor Links Digital Media Program to expose them to different career paths. Other activities included field trips, backpack journalism, photography, and coding. 

This fall, LEAD participants visited Baylor Journalism, Public Relations, & New Media to learn more about job opportunities in the media industry. LEAD, sponsored by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, encourages students to graduate and pursue higher education. Rachel Martinez, director of leadership development for the Greater Waco Chamber, said many LEAD students are first-generation high school graduates whose success in LEAD impacts them personally and changes their employment trajectory for years to come.

Baylor JPRNM faculty, staff and students enjoyed talking to high school students from the Waco Central Texas chapter of Jack and Jill of America. During the visit, students ate at the Penland cafeteria, toured the campus, and visited the JPR&NM department for swag and to learn more about the program.