Carroll Leads New Graphic Arts Pathway at Empower

The Empower College and Career Center is known for providing students with career relevant learning experiences. The new Graphic Arts Pathway is no different. This pathway, in its inaugural semester, allows students to learn various graphic design skills and how to apply them to other industries. 

The former professional turned educator tasked with leading the new pathway program is Wynelle Carroll, who brings a diverse media arts background that has empowered her with the skills to lead students into various job settings. 

Carroll’s career includes extensive time with the USA Today and other newspaper publications, enabling her to gain experience in graphic design, photography, sports media, and more. 

"It's interesting how when you work for a newspaper, the jobs all sort of bleed together. I did design, I did photo editing, I did photography, I did editing, so it was a little bit of everything,” Caroll said. “Throughout those years, I was always teaching interns. So I was like, I like this teaching thing! So when the opportunity came up to teach, I took it."

Carroll’s passion for teaching and graphic design has been influential in the early success of the program where students learn graphic design basics and how to operate programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. 

"Right now, we have all introductory classes, which is fabulous,” Caroll said. “[The students] are learning color theory, typography, design, etc."

Carroll is enthusiastic about the work that the students have presented so far in the program. 

"Some of the work the students have turned out has just blown my mind,” she said

Staying in line with the Empower Mission to "empower learners for success in an ever-changing  world," Carroll is ensuring students leave this program with practical skills that can aid them in any industry they're interested in joining. 

"I want to teach the kids how to work for a print shop, get jobs in the future, and start their own companies. Having these design skills can help on social media; they can help in the advertising industry. This [class] will teach these students how to make impactful marketing plans", explains Carroll.

Starting a new program always comes with some uncertainty; however, Carroll has seen strides in the students’ knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm in a short period. 

"Having kids that have come in and said, ‘I really didn't want to take this class, but now this is my favorite class. I didn't think I would find something for myself here, but it's really interesting, and I found out that I actually am creative’, that's been absolutely wonderful and rewarding for me,” Carroll said. 

When asked about where she sees this program going in the future, Carroll stated,

"In the second program, we'll learn more about the printing machines, laser engravers, and other cool stuff. The sky's the limit for this [program],” she said. “With the talent and enthusiasm of the kids, it could go wherever we want it to go. 

“I want to see them excited about graphic design; I want to see them choosing it as a profession or choosing it as an addition to what they plan to do. I want the students to see that this is a practical skill that can be important in many parts of their lives."

The Graphic Arts Program is off to a fantastic start and has a bright future. Carroll is excited and optimistic about the potential of this program and her students.