Senators help district teens learn more about career options with ‘Camp Fame’

OKLAHOMA CITY – Even though Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, and Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, will be leaving the Oklahoma Senate this November, the two legislators are still looking to the future, using their knowledge and experience to help the next generation of citizens in their districts to explore exciting career opportunities. Matthews and Young are working together to promote ‘Camp Fame,’ to be held June 24-28 at Oklahoma City’s Metro Tech Springlake Campus. The camp will give students ages 13 through 17 the chance to explore film, aesthetics, makeup, and entrepreneurship.

“In recent years the Legislature has enhanced Oklahoma’s efforts to grow the entertainment industry in our state, in film, television and music production,” Matthews said. “I’ve had opportunities with entertainment corporations to discuss ways to help bring people of color into the film and media industries. Senator Young and I are promoting Camp Fame as a way of introducing teens from our districts to the many possibilities and opportunities in these areas, creating great futures for themselves, our communities, and our state.”

Those opportunities aren’t limited to writing, production and film direction. Film and television productions also require professionals in make-up, cosmetology and more, with jobs that can pay hundreds of dollars a day for some productions. Camp Fame will bring in industry professionals to help students learn more about such opportunities in the entertainment industry. Matthews has also been helping Tulsa youth produce a monthly radio show which airs on more than 30 different Oklahoma stations.

Young also pointed to new possibilities to enter the media industry through Langston University, which is expanding its broadcast journalism offerings in Oklahoma City.

“Having the hands-on opportunity to study broadcast news, including the business and marketing side of the industry is a fantastic opportunity for Langston students,” Young said. “Senator Matthews and I are excited to be able to connect the dots for kids in our districts to start thinking about and exploring careers in broadcast news, TV production and film, helping tell the stories of Black Americans, and broadening their horizons.”

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For more information, contact:  
Sen. Matthews at 918-955-2283 or Kevin.Matthews@oksenate.gov
Sen. George Young at 405-521-5531 or George.Young@oksenate.gov