This semester, Kevin Sandler’s film and media studies class, Entertainment Industries, got the chance to work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The MDA was looking for a way to update its brand to engage with the online world more effectively, so the students in the class had the opportunity to put their knowledge of 21st century technology to the ultimate test for a great cause.
Sandler was first approached by the MDA last year regarding a possible internship. He decided to go ahead and make this into a project, because he said he likes to have his class perform work that has an outside impact to simulate the behaviors of the industry.
A couple of weeks ago executives from the MDA national headquarters in Tucson visited the class “to discuss their company, brand and marketing initiatives as well as answer any questions they might have,” Sandler said.
He added that once the stakes started getting higher, the students realized their work really would matter, and their initial worries started to dissipate.
Last Thursday, the moment of truth came when the groups presented their strategies to the MDA representatives. I had the opportunity to sit in on all of the presentations and, if I do say so myself, the students were extremely impressive.
I really do believe the whole presentation was a great opportunity for the students to gain real life experience, just like Sandler wanted. They were able to help a great cause update its image for the current generation of technology users.
Tom Boyle, the vice president of MDA business development, also knew this was a chance for something quite unique. He said it was an important experiment in collaboration between a segment of academia and a nonprofit.
During one of the presentations, a student mentioned he had been talking to his father about the project, and his father recalled his memories of the MDA with “Jerry’s Kids,” children who are supported by the association.
The choice for the MDA to come to ASU and collaborate with students was wise for a variety of reasons. It made a whole new group of people aware of its cause, and those people will be able to pass that on.
The MDA wanted to expand, and that is exactly what it achieved. Whether or not any ideas are picked up and put into play in Tucson, the MDA accomplished a grand feat. It educated a new generation and that already makes its collaboration a success.
Partnerships between students and nonprofit organizations are always beneficial for both parties because the experience reaches beyond learning and can truly make a difference for the community.
Megan wishes Team Caprica the best of luck with its presentation in Tucson. Send love for them to mmattox@asu.edu
