Workforce Development

Since 1987, Tampa Bay Arts & Education Network, or TBAE, has served Hillsborough County through arts, culture, and education. One of the most impactful ways we give back is through our Media Arts Internship Program. This program partners with local municipalities to provide high school and university students with hands-on experience in television production and media arts.

Interns learn industry-standard editing software, such as DaVinci Resolve and Adobe, as well as scriptwriting, green screen studio experience, hands-on camera experience, and exposure to marketing. 

During their semester, each intern is tasked with video projects that support the overall mission of the station, such as new season programming announcements and educational PSAs that showcase the Tampa Bay community. 

Their projects are broadcast on TBAE’s 24/7 channels and are available to watch live on watch.tbae.net, providing students with both professional credit and a portfolio to showcase to future employers.

[Stats – Program Impact]

Over the past 20 years, more than 130 interns have completed the program.

• 99% of our interns complete the internship with professional-level projects featured on TBAE’s television channels and website.

• 95% of interns secure jobs in the media industry after completing the program.

• Our interns represent a diverse range of academic backgrounds, including Communication, Film, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, and more.

These numbers reflect not only participation but also clear pathways into long-term workforce development.

[Success Stories – Real Workforce Outcomes]

Our alumni have gone on to thrive in the workforce:

• Kayleigh Bentley (2014): Member Experience Manager at the Country Music Association.

• Ashley Williams (2016): Media Producer at Universal Creative.

• Jacob Rush (2017): President and Creative Director of his own production company, Triple Knot Productions Inc.

• Jessica Barron (2019): Former intern and TBAE staff member, now a journalist at KRQE News 13 in Albuquerque.

• Rolynn Wilson (2021): Anchor and Reporter at ABC 8 NEWS WRIC in Richmond, Virginia.

• Jacob Bemo (2021): Editor at WTSP-TC, Saint Petersburg

• Noah Tran (2022): Editor and Assistant to the Director of Operations at the Dana Institute.

• Marrisa Renna (2021): Business Radio Producer at Sirius XM

• Brandon Lovinger (2023): Digital Strategy Engineer at V Digital Services

• Julia Kobzar (2024): Multimedia Specialist/News Editor at WFLA-TV News Channel 8 / WTTA-TV The CW Tampa Bay

Many others are working as editors, videographers, coordinators, and producers across the country. These stories demonstrate that TBAE internships are more than just training—they are career launchpads.

[Closing – Workforce Development Message]

The TBAE Internship Program does more than train interns—it builds the future workforce. By equipping students with real-world skills, professional projects, and industry connections, we help them transition from the classroom to meaningful careers. At TBAE, we are proud to support workforce development and empower the next generation of media professionals.