The R.I.S.E. (Readiness in Sports Education) program provides students with structured, hands-on learning in sports media and marketing, to build career-ready skills.
Learn to tell your school's story.
Students, explore below to see how you can get in on the action.
Learn to write, interview, photograph and film, sharing your school's sports moments while building your resume.
These short videos walk you through everything you need to know to get started. Pick a topic, watch, and then start creating. No experience needed.
Pick a topic. Start creating.
Writing
How to Write a High School Sports Game Article
As a sports writer, you’re part reporter and part storyteller. You’ll watch the entire game closely, take notes, track key plays, and then turn that information into a clear, engaging, and informative article.
Writing Feature & News Stories About High School Sports
Writing a feature story or a news story about high school sports is typically a more advanced type of written content compared to an article about a game.
Social & Creative Media
How to Use Social Media Platforms in High School Sports Coverage
There are many social media platforms, but they're not all the same. That means when you use a social media platform to cover high school sports, you have to create content that is native to that platform and its unique audience.
Introduction to Creative Media in Sports (with Alex Grant of the Carolina Panthers)
Carolina Panthers Creative Manager Alex Grant spoke to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools students at WCCB about his role in creative media, how content is created around sports, and more.
Video Production
Introduction to Shooting Video Highlights of High School Sports
Video highlights are one of the most powerful ways to capture high school sports. They show the action, the emotion, and the excitement – and they help tell the story of the game. But shooting highlights takes focus and responsibility.
What is Sports Videography? (will Will DeLorenzo)
Will DeLorenzo, the Owner of Statesmen & Trade, discusses the sports video business, the basics of sports videography, and the skills you need to get started producing video content around sports. This presentation was part of an educational event for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students at WCCB Charlotte in August 2025
Still Photography
The Basics of High School Sports Photography
Sports photography is more than just taking pictures. You’re preserving memories for players, families, and your community. Your photos help tell the story of your school, one image at a time.
Exploring the World of Sports Photography (with David Jensen)
David Jensen, a professional sports photographer, gives high school students a primer on sports photography, how to get started, and how to build a portfolio. Jensen spoke to students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools at WCCB.
Interviewing
The Basics of Interviews in High School Sports Media Coverage
When you’re interviewing someone, be curious and treat every interview like a chance to learn. Ask follow-up questions when something interesting comes up; you may end up taking your story in a completely different direction based on answers you didn’t expect.
Skills you will build.
Build leadership, accuracy, organization, and communication skills that prepare you for future sports careers.
Strengthen your writing, storytelling, and deadline management while creating a portfolio of published work.
Gain experience in filming, editing, and visual storytelling while learning to collaborate on projects.
Develop creativity, technical camera skills, and editing techniques while building a portfolio of images.
Build confidence, improve public speaking, and practice quick thinking while working as part of a team.
Learn marketing and engagement strategies while sharpening design skills for real audiences.
Step past the sidelines.
This program is your chance to become a creator, not just a fan. Whether you want to capture the game-winning shot, write the headline article, or design eye-catching graphics for social media, there is a place for you here. No prior experience required, just your passion and your unique voice. Complete the form to get started!