Sullivan Anderson 
It might’ve been spring break for CPS students, but we weren’t taking a break! This week, True Star hosted an exciting media boot camp that immersed students in the dynamic world of media and communications. Throughout the program, students from Chicago public schools across the city, learned about essential topics like social media strategies, personal branding, photography techniques, editing skills, the art of podcasting, and creating memorable resumes. It’s fair to say that True Star’s first ever Spring Break Media Boot Camp, in partnership with CPS, was a huge success!
The hands-on approach made sure that students learned concepts AND applied them in real-world scenarios. A highlight of the boot camp was the lineup. Those distinguished guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences included the following:
DAY 1: Deanna McLeary Sherman and Na-Tae’ Thompson, co-founders of True Star, shared the organization’s mission and motivated students with their entrepreneurial journey in the media industry.
Day 2: Bree Specific, a popular radio personality, engaged participants with her journey in broadcasting, highlighting the nuances of connecting with audiences and building a unique on-air presence.
Day 3: Jared Evans, an advocate from the Chase Community Center, taught students about the importance of building credit and financial literacy.
Day 4: Amber Marie Green, a renowned photojournalist, captivated students with her compelling storytelling techniques and provided practical tips about knowing your worth as an independent photographer.
Day 5: Brandon Pope, Emmy-winning journalist and President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), offered invaluable advice on navigating the journalism landscape and the art of interviewing.
Adding to the excitement, on Day 2, students enjoyed a field trip to iHeart Radio where stations V103, known for “Today’s R&B and Throwbacks,” and WGCI, Chicago’s #1 source for “Hip-Hop and R&B,” are produced. This visit provided an insider’s look into the operations of a major media outlet, allowing students to witness live broadcasts and interact with industry professionals (Shout out to Bree Specific, Steve Stylez, Hot Rod and Bionce Foxx!).
The boot camp was more than just an educational experience; it was a platform for students to network, collaborate, and ignite their passion for media. The students left with a wealth of knowledge, new friends, new skills, and a renewed enthusiasm to pursue careers in the media landscape.
Montreniq Hinton, a 10th grader at Corliss High School, said that she enjoyed her time at the boot camp. “My True Star experience was informational, inspirational and impactful. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.”
True Star’s commitment to empowering youth through such initiatives continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation of media professionals. Don’t be the one to miss out on this experience next year!
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
TikTok: @sullivangrace
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