About

The Center for New Media

The Center for New Media at MxCC offers innovative applied associate of science degrees in digital media production, with concentrations in the following tracks: film and video, multimedia design and digital arts, news and sports, corporate video production, web design and development, and audio and music production. We also offer associate of arts degrees in graphic design, and communication.

Join one of our cutting-edge Center for New Media programs and gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need for a competitive edge in the workforce.

Why MxCC For Studying Media?

We take great pride in serving as your key to success. Check out what makes MxCC different than other colleges!

Designated Center for Excellence in broadcast education
Small class sizes and hands-on education
Affordable tuition (Learn more about Financial Aid, scholarships, and see if you’re eligible for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act)
Award-winning faculty
High job placement rate
Academic support services

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Fact Sheet

Want more information? Download our fact sheet here.

Brochure

Download the Center for New Media brochure here.

eBook

eBook for Mac desktop & iPhone/iPad

eBook for Android & PC desktop

Job Growth

The Connecticut Department of Labor estimates an 11.7% growth trajectory through 2020, including 420 new annual jobs and 1,322 total annual job openings in the occupational group of arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media. Average annual earnings for this group equaled $55,088 ($26.48 per hour) in 2012.

High growth occupations (i.e., over 15%) include graphic designers, producers/directors, audio-video technicians, broadcast/film sound engineering technicians, camera operators, and film/video editors. Major employers such as ESPN, WWE, NBC Sports, Sonalyst Corporation, and Blue Sky Animation, and 12 “market 30” affiliate TV stations collectively represent over 10,000 jobs and confirm a growing demand for and existing shortage of workers with new media skills.These jobs are attainable with a two-year degree and some with a certificate. Visit our Career Resources page for more information.

Back in the 1950s, some women didn’t attend college right after high school, and while MxCC alumna Sally Smith liked to learn, she began college much later in life.

Originally from East Hampton, Sally grew up in Meriden and graduated from Meriden High School in 1958. Her father initially discouraged her from going to college or joining the Navy like her brothers. Instead, she started her own family. But years later, Sally was divorced and, because her children were still small, she had to sell her house and go on state aid. In order to get off Medicaid, Sally became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) through the Vinal Tech program in Middletown in 1973. While working as an LPN in a nursing home, Sally met a patient in her eighties who was a talented painter and always wanted to exhibit in her own art show. Sally simply went ahead and arranged an art exhibit and reception for her in Cheshire, where the patient even sold two paintings. “She was beside herself with joy!” recalled Sally. By the 1980s, Sally’s kids were grown and she explored the idea of attending college. She first attended Southern Connecticut State University, but that campus experience was not for her. Instead she decided to audit an algebra class at Middlesex Community College. She then enrolled in more classes and worked with a tutor to improve her grades. For a while, she lived near the former MxCC Meriden Center and also took classes there. She even reconnected with old acquaintance in one of her classes, Betty Berger. They knew each other previously when their kids were in dance class together. After attending MxCC part-time into the 1990s, Sally earned her associate degree in human services. “I had a very good experience at Middlesex. I enjoyed being there, and the teachers were great,” she reiterated. While still working as a nurse, Sally met an elderly male patient of Irish descent, who said he never had been to Ireland. She talked with his daughter to see if this was even physically possible for him to travel. She agreed, so Sally again proceeded to see how to arrange this for him. She spoke with other senior wish agencies that told Sally she would have to do all the work. If that was the case, why not start her own foundation with the mission of fulfilling the dreams of senior adults? In 2007, Sally and her friend Betty launched a nonprofit organization called Seniors Have Dreams, Too. The group’s purpose is “to make a difference in the lives of the elderly and create opportunities for seniors with limited resources to experience a lifelong dream.” The nationwide program is offered to seniors 65 years of age or older, living below the poverty level, and physically and mentally able to experience a wish. Receiving no grant money, the group operates on individual donations and holds an annual arts and crafts fundraiser. Recently, the organization granted several wishes—a 78-year-old woman with cancer living in Las Vegas went to a concert for the first time; a Connecticut woman’s dream was to visit the casino again with her friends; a woman in her eighties received piano lessons and recorded a CD; a former airline hostess rode in a helicopter—all made possible through the work of Sally’s organization. “No matter how old you are, you should always have something to look forward to. None of your memories should be old,” she said, who now lives in Wallingford. Sally still takes her nursing job very seriously. “ I love my job working in nursing homes. This is where I belong. I love working with the elderly and kids with disabilities. I’m getting things for nothing, and so I have to give back,” said Sally emphatically. What is Sally’s dream? “To complete a bachelor’s degree before turning 90 years old,” she said. “But now my job is to make people smile.” To donate, sponsor or apply for a dream, or attend the December 1 crafts fair, visit www.seniorshavedreams.org. October 2018