Digital Media Production: Vermont’s First Online CTE Program Enters Year Two
The Digital Media Production (DMP) program, Vermont’s first fully online, hands-on Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, is returning for its second year in Fall 2025! Offered through VTVLC and River Valley Technical Center, this one-of-a-kind program is giving high school students across Vermont the chance to explore filmmaking, photography, audio engineering, and digital storytelling—all from the convenience of home.
This innovative, career-focused program launched in 2024 with a pilot class of students from across the state. After a successful first year, applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year—and spots are expected to fill quickly!
What Makes Digital Media Production Unique?
Unlike traditional online courses, DMP is a hands-on, fully immersive CTE program. Every student receives a MacBook Pro loaded with professional creative software and a mobile lab kit containing industry-standard equipment for photography, videography, and audio production.
Students don’t just learn about media production—they actively create films, podcasts, music recordings, photo projects, and more, all while earning high school English, Art, and Elective credits.
“An online DMP program expands access to high-quality digital media education for students across Vermont, regardless of their geographic location. Many students interested in digital media may not have access to a Career and Technical Education (CTE) center or a local program that meets their needs,” said Interim VTVLC Director, Ashley Newton. “By offering it online, we remove barriers related to transportation, scheduling, and availability, ensuring that more students can gain critical digital media skills.”
DMP students are equipped with a mobile lab kit containing photography, videography, and audio engineering equipment for the duration of the course.
Program Pathways: Choose Your Focus
The Digital Media Production program allows students to customize their learning and focus on the areas that interest them most. Over two years, students can explore pathways such as:
- Video Production & Digital Movie Making
- Digital & Advanced Photography
- Visual Effects & Final Cut Editing
- Radio Production & Podcasting
- Audio Engineering & Post-Production
- Broadcast Journalism
- Photoshop for Photographers
- Corporate Video & Field Recording
“I’ve been teaching in person and online for a long time, and one thing that I learned many years ago is that students need more choices when it comes to their education,” said DMP instructor, Zachary McNaughton. “The modular design of the program allows students to really customize their technical education to align with their own career goals and interests.”
Who Can Apply?
The Digital Media Production program was designed to remove barriers to CTE access and provide an online option for students who may not have access to local media programs.
“In the current CTE system, the programs you have access to as a teenager are based entirely on where you happen to live,” McNaughton said. “Online learning is a delivery method that can fill in these geographical gaps and provide all of Vermont’s student population with access to a program.”
The program also provides a great option for students who may have been waitlisted for local, brick-and-mortar CTE programs.
Students from the following schools are eligible to apply:
- Brattleboro Sr. UHSD #6
- Leland & Gray UHSD #34
- Twin Valley High School
- Blue Mountain USD #21
- Oxbow UHSD #30
- Rivendell
- Thetford Academy
- Canaan Schools
- Canaan Career Center
- Lake Region UHSD #24
- North Country Sr. UHSD #22
- Enosburg Falls Jr/Sr. High School
- Richford Jr/Sr. High School
- Stafford Technical Center
Real Equipment, Real Experience, Real Opportunities
Students in the DMP program receive the following on loan, at no cost:
- A MacBook Pro with Adobe Suite, Final Cut Pro, and Studio One
- A high-quality camera, professional lens, and lighting setup
- Audio recording equipment and microphones for studio-quality sound
- Editing and production software to create professional-level media
In addition to building their portfolios, students have the opportunity to compete in statewide and national competitions through SkillsUSA and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), gaining real-world recognition for their skills.
When Does the Program Take Place?
DMP follows a two-year, half-day CTE model, with flexible scheduling options:
Level 1: 7:45 AM – 9:45 AM
Level 2: 11:40 AM – 1:40 PM
This schedule allows students to earn high school credits while balancing their existing coursework.
What’s Next? How to Apply
Spots for Fall 2025 are limited, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—so apply early to guarantee your spot!
Steps to Apply:
- Check Your Eligibility – If your school qualifies or you’ve been waitlisted for another CTE program, you can apply!
- Submit Your Application – Visit vtvlc.org/digital-media-production to start the process.
- Secure Your Spot – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early to guarantee your place!
Final Thoughts
The Digital Media Production program isn’t just an online class—it’s a career-launching opportunity for Vermont students who are passionate about film, photography, music, and digital storytelling. With real-world projects, professional-grade equipment, and industry-expert instruction, this program is helping students build the skills they need for the future.
Don’t miss out on this game-changing opportunity! Apply today and start creating!