WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Frostburg State University for the Non-Linear Video Editing Lab Upgrade Project. The upgrade means that over the next three years, an additional 200 students will be trained to operate non-linear video editing systems and another 45 students will graduate with these sought-after job skills.

“Frostburg State University plays an important role in preparing Marylanders for the jobs of today and for the jobs of tomorrow,” Senator Mikulski said. “These federal funds will help Frostburg State prepare people for jobs and help them stay in those jobs with training made possible by this important infrastructure and technology improvement. I’ll keep fighting for this and other federal investments that prepare Maryland students for jobs.”

“Federal investments like this help keep Maryland’s students on the cutting edge of technology, expanding their skills and increasing their attractiveness to employers,” Senator Cardin said. “The Appalachian Regional Commission is a great example of a federal-local partnership that pays positive dividends to communities across Maryland.”

The Department of Mass Communication at Frostburg State University will use the funds to extend and upgrade its Final Cut Pro Non-Linear Editing Lab. This upgrade will expand student’s access to leading edge technology, equipment and training to meet new industry demands within the video post-production field. Additionally, the upgraded equipment will provide higher quality programming for broadcast on FSU-TV3, the department’s cable channel that serves the greater Frostburg community.

The Final Cut Pro Non-Linear Editing Lab also will be a resource to help FSU and regional businesses provide continuing education to help those already working in video production stay competitive in their field. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $50,000, bringing the total project funding to $100,000. The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.