The Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission approved a resolution on March 6 awarding scholarships to nine individuals and one group through its FY 2024–25 Television Community Grant Program.

Executive Director Ayala presented the slate of recipients and described the awards as a mix of equipment support, online coursework and membership/training at Access Sacramento. Ayala said the commission’s ad hoc selection committee vetted applicants and recommended recipients for the scholarships.

Recipients named in the staff presentation included Antonio Castellanos (photography equipment), Courtney Duran Hill (online coursework in American Sign Language and media production), Jamuel Johnson (Access Sacramento membership and training), and Nataya Pathi (student at Vista High School, seeking local coursework or online training). A group of applicants from SAC Connect — Iliano Calderon, Pele Diamond, Kayla Green, Danae Johnson and Yanivat Rivera — were recommended for membership and skill-building in videography, audio and editing.

Director Gatewood moved the resolution to approve the awards and Director Nava seconded. The commission approved the resolution by voice vote.

Why it matters

The scholarships direct commission funding toward local capacity-building in media production and media literacy. Staff said recipients will work with Access Sacramento or other training providers and that some applicants may return to a future meeting if placement or course availability requires additional coordination.

What happens next

Staff will coordinate placements, memberships and equipment procurement, and report back to the commission with implementation details at a future meeting. The commission asked staff to provide status updates at the June meeting.