Information Technology & Arts Academy

Des Moines Public Schools and Central Campus have a long involvement in teaching students about all aspects of communications industry. In fact, Central Campus was the original home of what is now the Iowa Public Television network.

002Broadcasting and Film

The Broadcasting and Film program concentrates on the creative and communication aspects of the radio/television/film industry. Emphasis is placed on analysis of career paths and the production techniques associated with gainful employment. Here students learn some basic and advanced techniques in writing, announcing, shooting, editing, and preparing media for their target audience. This program opens doors through the availability of the FCC licensed radio station KDPS 88.1FM and the district cable programming through DMPS-TV. Students also have the opportunity to submit work to various contests and festivals.

Commercial Photography

In the Commercial Photography program, students obtain skills in film processing, darkroom procedures, studio shooting techniques, camera techniques, photographic history, presentation skills and digital imaging. Portfolio development enables students to apply for employment, scholarships and college admission. Students publicly display work at the Central Campus Student Art Exhibit and other exhibitions.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is a multi-year program with two block courses designed to assist students in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for success in one of today’s fastest growing career areas!
Students learn learn about firewalls, vpns, computer forensics, ethical hacking, and so much more! We also have a ton of fun doing hands-on work, going on field trips, and especially participating in the Cyber Defense Competition where we defend servers from hackers! Students who complete this course can earn IT certifications and over 30 DMACC credits! Students are also able to participate in paid registered apprenticeships! The skills learned in this course will be a solid foundation for a career in cybersecurity! Students will all receive DMACC dual-enrollment credit for the following courses. These college credits will transfer to any accredited college or can be used as a part of a degree obtained from DMACC.

Fashion Design and Merchandising

Within the creative discipline of Fashion Design, students discover fascinating fundamentals of the fashion industry and learn about all of the exciting behind-the-scene details that make every show and every display perfect. Study famous and up-and-coming designers, explore historical and current trends, and learn the importance of alterations and proper fit. In this program students building upon their sewing skills, create fashion drawings, and analyze the designs of others. The program enhances entrepreneurial skills and techniques to successfully market their designs in the fashion industry. The culminating event for this program is a spring fashion show that is created and produced by the fashion students and other cooperating Central Campus programs.

Graphic Design

From print to online, the Graphic Design program guides students through the design process and the creation of images for logos, posters, flyers, packaging, apparel, and more. Industry software and hands-on projects are the backbone of this creative career area. The equipment and supplies in this class are tightly aligned with the expectations and requirements of the graphic design industry.

 

“I love all the hands-on and real-world opportunities that Central Campus provides. I am planning a career in journalism and the teachers here gave me the self-reliance I needed to create a portfolio giving me an advantage during future job interviews.”
Emily Blobaum – Broadcasting and Film, Commercial Photography – Roosevelt High School

Broadcasting and Film Instructor

Tim Coleman

Broadcasting and Film Instructor

Kirk Johnson

Fashion Design and Merchandising Instructor

Tracy Holland

Graphic Communication Instructor

Tim Rice

Commercial Photography Instructor

Denise Wicker