HU Awarded $443,000 SDC Grant to Advance High School Film and Media Education

Huntington University is proud to announce the receipt of $443,000 from the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission (SDC) as the first installment of a $1 million three-year grant to launch the Creating a Talent Pipeline (CTP) initiative. This investment will enhance Northeast Indiana’s film and media industry by equipping high school students with career-ready skills and expanding access to higher education pathways.

The CTP project is designed to increase postsecondary attainment by offering early-entry college credit courses to area high school students in film, television and animation. Students may earn credentialed certificates that count toward an undergraduate degree at Huntington University or other accredited institutions. The grant will also support Huntington’s award-winning film capstone program, where college juniors and seniors collaborate with industry professionals on a feature-length film production.

“The CTP initiative empowers students with hands-on learning opportunities and real industry connections that are essential in today’s competitive media landscape,” said Matthew Webb, assistant professor of film production. “By investing in young creatives now, we’re helping shape the next generation of storytellers right here in Indiana.”

The CTP initiative aims to serve approximately 200 students annually and includes dual-credit offerings at regional high schools, an expanded School of the Arts Summer Academy and increased mentorship from Indiana-based film professionals.The full CTP project is funded by a combined $2.3 million investment from Huntington University and the SDC. Huntington University remains committed to sustaining the program through ongoing institutional support and donor funding.