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Media Minds: High School Students Get Real-World Experience In Today's Fast-Paced World

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --  Radio, TV, movies and video game writing are all being taught in city high schools.

Now, as Mike Schuh reports, teachers are inviting industry professionals to see how far the kids have come.

In Baltimore, a high schooler overcomes obstacles just walking in the door.  Metal detectors and bag searches are a routine part of the day.

Dominick Doleman of Frederick Douglass High School is making choices that could lead to a career.

"I'm no longer scared to talk to people.  I'm no longer shy.  I'm able to grasp onto things faster," said Doleman.

He is the campus student photographer, part of a media program attracting 80 students.

He's learning a craft and seeing himself through the images of others.

Doleman has developed confidence.

The media arts program includes code writing for video game development.

There's even a velcro suit used to make 3D motion capture, data used to build more elaborate video games.

Junior Emmanuel Lewis feels learning all of this gives him a leg up.

"With this, I have experience saying I actually did this in high school. When I go to college, I can say by doing this I'm more advanced than other students," he said.

But even if a child doesn't go into a media field, there are other lessons learned.

"This is a simulation.  We want them to make their mistakes here. We want to help them, to cultivate what they can be, what they want to be and help them meet their goal," said Dr. Lynn Patterson, Douglass High School.

And now, industry professionals are coming to see the work of all similar city programs.

"I feel the public doesn't really know how exciting it is to be in this program," said Jim Mahjoubian, Baltimore City Schools.

The Open House will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Douglass High School.

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