This practice News Release was written as an assignment for the Public Relations Techniques (PR 348) course at the University of Texas at Austin
Austin Independent School District
4000 S. I-H 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Investing in Austin’s Future: Digital Literacy for Austin Independent School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 23, 2024
The Austin Independent School District launched its groundbreaking "Futures Initiative" program in August 2024, aiming to pave the way for the next generation's proficiency in STEM education and digital literacy.
Today’s rapidly changing technological world has begun to place an even higher emphasis on the digital skills of tomorrow. Capitalizing on the trend of digital fluency, the Austin Independent School District has launched the 2024 “Futures Initiative,” a program dedicated to technologically inspiring a new generation. Consolidating a curriculum that focuses on technology, the initiative focuses on enhanced STEM concepts to build digital fluency.
In addition to students, both teachers and faculty will have opportunities for digital learning through ongoing workshops during the school year. The “Futures Initiative” also plans to offer open-houses and workshops for the Austin community so that parents can partner with their children to build a brighter future.
While many Austin Public Schools already implement some form of STEM, the “Futures Initiative” plans to integrate enhanced curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving. Additional opportunities like computer coding classes and a robotics club provide students with versatile ways to engage with the new technology they are exposed to during the year. These hands-on extracurriculars also build directly transferable skills that are crucial to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
"As a superintendent in Austin Public Schools and a proud product of this community, I understand the importance of preparing our students for the future. The 'Futures Initiative' is our commitment to providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.” says Dr. Maria Hernandez, Superintendent of Austin Public Schools. “With a focus on innovation, critical thinking, and bridging the technology gap, we're not just shaping students' futures; we're empowering them to shape their own."
Dr. Maria Hernandez also mentioned that another way Austin Public School’s “Futures Initiative” is fostering excitement about technology is through a “series of key partnerships with tech companies across the state.” Not only will students be able to learn from leaders in the field, these companies will also “provide classrooms with cutting-edge technology.” Older students can benefit from mentorship and internship opportunities as they seek to apply their digital literacy in the world outside the classroom.
Interested parties should reach out to Austin Public Schools to learn more about the “Futures Initiative” and how they can be a part of Austin’s newest program in digital literacy through partnership or volunteer opportunities using the following contact information:
Austin Independent School District
4000 S. I-H 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Main: 512-414-1700
“Futures Initiative” is an integral next step in Austin Public Schools’ goal in encouraging technological understanding in its students. By creating hands-on classes that emphasize the crucial foundations of STEM, Austin School Districts will not only be able to teach students about modern problems, but equip them to create solutions as well. Although the initiative is just a first step towards comprehensive digital literacy, it is illuminating Austin’s chance for a brighter digital future.
About Austin Public Schools:
Austin Public Schools’ mission is to “Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate” the minds of the next generation. Operating on grades K-8, the district uses critical STEM curriculum and technology to provide students with hands-on experiences that promote digital proficiency in students seeking to engage with the technological world.
Contact Information:
Public Relations Manager: Lily Warmington
Phone: (512) 555-5555
Email: lilywarmington@icloud.com
Address: 2515 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
CREATIVE BRIEF
Project Background: Austin Independent School District has created the “Futures Initiative,” a STEM focused and digital literacy program to be implemented starting in August, 2024. The program aims to increase digital literacy among students with hands-on courses, extracurricular club opportunities in robotics or coding, partnerships with local tech companies, and internship opportunities for older students. In addition, the program plans to create cooperation between teachers and parents who will participate in workshops alongside their respective students. By creating parallel opportunities for digital education, Austin’s “Futures Initiative” aims to prepare students to succeed in the next generation of the digital workplace.
Theme: The theme of this brief is cooperation within the context of education. Highlighting how the program is a partnership between Austin Independent School District curriculum (STEM), teachers in digital workshops, parent volunteers, and the companies offering mentorship to students in the program. Emphasizing how digital fluency encourages community and success after graduation.
Target Audience: Parents and students of the Austin area that will be affected by this initiative
Objective(s) - (what are you trying to achieve): The objective is to spread information about the new initiative and inform people of what it entails.
Tone: Excited tone over the numerous opportunities offered by the “Futures Initiative.” Optimistic look at Austin Independent School District’s future after the widespread implementation of the program, focusing on the success of the students who are participating.
Medium/Channel (where will the deliverable be disseminated?): This article will be disseminated through digital news sources focusing on local events including sites like Austin Monthly, or the Austin Herald.
Mandatory Elements (what elements are required to be included?):
Mandatory elements include: Austin Independent School District company logo and text that emphasizes the aims of the program (digital fluency, STEM curriculum, and hands-on extracurricular clubs). Values should be built around the tangible skills students can learn, as well as how those skills translate to the world outside the classroom. Benefits will include mentorship opportunities created by strategic partnerships with the companies listed in the brief.
Sources used?:
Direct quote from Dr. Maria Hernandez, Superintendent of Austin Public School District
Program Details sourced from Austin Independent School District Technology Program