PROGRAM
OVERVIEW

The Archbishop Carroll High School Jim Vance Media Program is an elite comprehensive four year plan for students to experience the journalism profession from the principles, practices and techniques, to hands-on-experiences in the field.  Participation in this program, prepares students for the diverse media world of today and the future, through core coursework, practical implementation through out-of-class activities and practicum/internship experiences.

Utilizing a comprehensive approach from the fields of reporting and writing journalism, digital production (television and radio) scriptwriting and photo journalism, and entrepreneurship, students will have the opportunity to have a diverse and multi-disciplinary approach to multimodal platforms on which to communicate.  The program addresses a rigorous curriculum, which caters to industry trends and standards of convergence and the community needs, while reflecting the expectations of Archbishop Carroll’s College Preparatory Education.

In honor of Jim Vance, an American journalist, the art of storytelling, understanding, utilizing and implementing multi-media approaches, will be the primary focus of the program. His archived contributions to the fields of print, radio and television will provide countless opportunities through the curriculum and hands-on experience, in-house and in the field, to experience journalism as a profession.

Students participating in the four (4) year program are identified as “Vance Scholars,” and will implement the journalist code of ethics, which are in alignment with the caliber of character and behavior, which is included in the mission and purpose of Archbishop Carroll High School. Students enter the program in their freshman year and graduate with their diploma and media program certification for their internships and specializations.

The school provides an investment (scholarship) in the academic growth and development of all Vance Scholars.

ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS

Students must:

  • Have at least a cumulative average of 3.0 for 7th and 8th grade
  • Must submit a 2 minute video which identifies who they are and the reason they want to enter the academy as a “Vance Scholar”
  • Must demonstrate community involvement/participation and a 250 word essay on the “Impact of Jim Vance’s work to the field of journalism and the community“
  • One character letter of recommendation (pastor, youth group leader, community service advisor, etc.)

Students/families considered for the program, will have to participate in a face-to-face interview.  It is essential that students and parents fully understand the expectations of a Vance Scholar.  This program is highly competitive program, and as such, only 20 students will be accepted. For additional information and application deadline visit Archbishop Carroll High School or contact Dr. Cherie Ward, Media Program Director via email [email protected]

PROGRAM
EXPECTATIONS

Vance Scholars Program

This program is for high performing incoming freshman students interested in journalism/media as a specialized area of study throughout their four year matriculation at Archbishop Carroll High School.

While in the program, students must maintain a cumulative quarterly average of 3.0 and conduct themselves with behavioral excellence.  Should a student fall below this standard, they will be placed on probation and have one quarter to improve.  If for any reason a student does not improve during the allotted time period, they will not be eligible to continue to as a “Vance Scholar.” All completed coursework will count as electives towards graduation requirements.  For more information regarding student conduct refer to the student handbook.

Social Media Policy

Students must adhere to the Archbishop Carroll High School “Acceptable Use of Technology, Cell Phone and Internet” policy, by students in catholic school of the Student Handbook.  Carroll students are expected to reflect positive behaviors and Christian values both on school grounds and off.  This includes the Internet.  Students involved in inappropriate conduct involving the internet will face disciplinary action from the school. For more information, refer to the student handbook.

Journalism Code of Ethics

(Based on those by the Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ)

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.

The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media:

  1. Seek the truth and report it
  2. Minimize harm
  3. Act Independently
  4. Be accountable and transparent

For more information on the four principles, go to https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp 

Access

This program is primarily intended for new students.  Although all students will not be accepted as, “Vance Scholars,” all introductory courses are open to Archbishop Carroll students as electives. Introductory courses are designed to provide students with the basic principles, practices and techniques for the specified subject area.